Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg participated in the Munich Security Conference, considered the largest conference related to international security.
Throughout the conference, Minister Borg, also in his capacity as Chairperson-In-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), held a number of meetings with various leaders and Foreign Ministers who are involved in countries where OSCE missions operate. It was for this reason that Minister Borg met with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, as well as with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević. Minister Borg is expected to visit OSCE missions in these countries in the coming months for further discussions.
Other meetings took place with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, as well as with Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, where the latest developments in the region and prospects for peace between the two countries were discussed. Discussions also focused on OSCE’s work to ensure that peace and security in the region are monitored and supported in the best possible way.
Minister Borg also met with the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Vatican Monsignor Paul Gallagher, as well as with the Foreign Ministers of Georgia Ilia Darchiashvili, Moldova’s Mihai Popșoi, Andorra’s Imma Tor Faus, Liechtenstein’s Dominique Hasler, and Albania’s Igli Hasani. During these discussions, Minister Borg explained Malta’s international efforts both in the Security Council and within the OSCE in upholding the principles established in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris. He also had a brief meeting with the Head of the Secretariat of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, and the Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt. Borg also met with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
Malta actively participated in various workshops and discussions where, among other things, it shared its experience as a neutral country, together with partner countries including the Irish Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Austrian Parliament. The role of neutral countries in today’s international context was examined against the backdrop of new international realities, especially in light of conflicts that are threatening the foundations of international law and stability. Minister Borg stressed that Malta’s active neutrality remains important and that the country will continue to be a proactive force for peace.
In other meetings and discussions, Minister Borg emphasised the continued relevance of the OSCE and how it will continue to provide a platform for dialogue, promote stability and cooperation, and enhance security within and among its participating States. Central to Malta’s Presidency of the OSCE throughout 2024 will be the strengthening of the Organization.
Discussions also touched on Malta’s support for smaller developing countries. Minister Borg and his Maldivian counterpart, Minister Moosa Zamer, agreed that more work is needed to ensure the success of the fourth international conference of developing countries, scheduled to take place in late May in Antigua, in the Caribbean. During Malta’s recent Presidency of the Security Council, Malta placed the threat of sea-level rise, which disproportionately affects small island states, on the Council’s agenda. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is deeply committed to supporting developing countries to overcome security and peace challenges. Ongoing programs focus on education, health, water, and the collection of statistics to identify vulnerabilities and assist in addressing the challenges they face.
