“It is clear that the 50th anniversary, from the beginning of bilateral relations between Malta and the United Arab Emirates, is leading to increased cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of our peoples in terms of positive trade agreements and relations.” This was stated by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, during an important bilateral meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This bilateral meeting served to take note of the work that has been done in recent years and to continue to foster cooperation and coordination. The two Ministers also expressed satisfaction towards the progress made in bilateral trade relations between the two countries, as shown by the increased interest in trade.
The Ministers also discussed the joint work being carried out on multilateral basis in the United Nations Security Council and congratulated each other on the way the two countries have led their presidency terms. The discussion also extended to the Gulf region and the relationship with the European Union.
On Wednesday, Minister Ian Borg, on behalf of Malta, also attended the ceremony of an agreement – signing under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – a convention that the Maltese Diplomat Avrid Pardo initiated the first discussions on. Minister Borg explained that this agreement deals with the conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. He stressed that it is in our interest that this convention remains strong in order to ensure sustainability in our oceans and surrounding waters.
The Minister also attended a lunch for Foreign Affairs Ministers in the Transatlantic region, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where the need for economic and social synergy between America and Europe continued to be discussed.
Minister Ian Borg also accompanied Prime Minister Robert Abela during a session of the United Nations Security Council that discussed peace and security in Ukraine.
Photos: MFET
