On Tuesday, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ian Borg met with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, along with his delegation in Valletta to explore new opportunities to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries, also in light of Malta’s chairmanship of the OSCE this year as well as continuing to serve as an elected member of the Security Council.
The concerning situation in the Middle East was also on the agenda. Minister Ian Borg recalled how Malta was at the forefront of diplomatic efforts regarding the situation in Gaza. “Malta, as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council, successfully led the adoption of Resolution 2712, which established humanitarian pauses while providing adequate legal parameters for the release of subsequent hostages. Malta remains committed to continue all necessary efforts in the region, including with Türkiye, to contribute to finding a lasting political solution to this conflict. Malta maintains that the solution can only be found in the two-state solution,” stated Minister Ian Borg.
The discussions about the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship focused on a wide range of issues covering the organisation while addressing challenges that the organisation is facing, primarily the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
“The strengthening of resilience and the increase in security are the primary themes on which Malta will be focusing its efforts as Chairperson of the OSCE,” said Minister Borg.
Discussions regarding the situation in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Libya followed.
Minister Ian Borg thanked Minister Hakan Fidan for his visit to our country and expressed confidence that today’s discussions will further strengthen relations between the two countries.
Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised how in recent months Malta demonstrated by example how diplomacy should be pursued, particularly with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2712 regarding Gaza. He said that Malta deserves every praise. He also pointed out that Türkiye aims to continue strengthening the trade that already exists with our country, particularly in terms of enhancing air connectivity.
On the agenda of this meeting, there were also discussions regarding the relationship with the European Union as well as other topics concerning the international relations sphere.
