Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and Chair-In-Office of the OSCE Ian Borg concluded an official visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, where he presented Malta’s priorities for the OSCE Presidency in 2024 under the theme ‘Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security’.
While in Strasbourg at the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, he emphasised the significance of both the OSCE and the Council of Europe as a ray of light during these challenging times. In his address, Minister Borg reiterated how Malta is committed to upholding and ensuring the principles and values enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter. “These are integral obligations and commitments for the effective functioning of the OSCE,” Minister Borg said.
He noted that both the OSCE and the Council of Europe share many common goals, including ensuring security and stability in the region based on the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Minister Borg stressed the need for increased collaboration between the OSCE and the Council of Europe, particularly as Malta prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of Europe between May and November 2025.
During exchanges with members of the Committee of Ministers, more than thirty Ambassadors expressed strong support from their countries towards Malta’s OSCE Presidency and the selected priorities. They also appreciated Malta’s willingness to undertake this challenging task to support the organization and welcomed the Minister’s visit to discuss these crucial priorities.
Throughout his visit to Strasbourg, Minister Borg had the opportunity to meet with several high-ranking officials of the Council of Europe to discuss various issues, including preparations for Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe next year. He met with the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Chair of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies Domenik Wagner, the President of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly Theodoros Rousopoulos, and the Secretary-General of the same Assembly Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis, as well as the President of the European Court of Human Rights Siofra O’Leary, who was accompanied by Malta’s representative to the same Court Judge Lorraine Schembri Orland. Minister Borg also presented Malta’s substantial voluntary contribution of €160,000 to assist in financing various needed projects, including assistance for Ukraine and Ukrainian children.
During his visit to Strasbourg, Minister Ian Borg and his delegation, together with Malta’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe Francesca Camilleri Vettiger and her team, and among distinguished guests, including the Maltese community residing in Strasbourg, had the opportunity to attend for a screening of the Maltese film Carmen, a production carrying important messages just two days before the world commemorates International Women’s Day.
