Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said met with the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food Stefan Burjev and a Bulgarian delegation during a visit to Malta.
The purpose of the Bulgarian delegation’s visit was precisely to establish collaboration with our country on a European level on fisheries and aquaculture as the Bulgarian administration sees Malta as a point of reference when it comes to these two sectors.
During the meeting, various themes related to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors that are of common interest between the two countries were discussed. The visit is also testimony to the work being carried out by Malta by the national fisheries and aquaculture authorities which are serving as an example for other Member States of the European Union.
Minister Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said gave a list of the work carried out by the Maltese Government which includes legislative changes, control procedures, infrastructure projects in fishing ports, maximum use of European funds as well as investment in research and opening up new markets in aquaculture. The Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary also explained the investment being made to improve services to fishermen as well as the financial aid schemes issued by the Government both during the pandemic and to mitigate the effects of the war in Ukraine on fishermen.
The Bulgarian Deputy Minister praised the work being done by Malta in these sectors and the two countries agreed for more cooperation at European level including on controls and concrete actions on illegal fishing by third countries, on the challenges of climate change and the need for generational renewal in the fishing sector.
Minister Anton Refalo stated, “This visit marks another important step in strengthening collaboration between Malta and other countries in this vital sector. It is also a clear confirmation of the Maltese Government’s commitment to having sustainable, modern and resilient fisheries and aquaculture. The various projects being implemented by the Maltese Government position our country as an example of success and how, with cooperation and vision, we can continue to improve this sector in accordance with the highest European standards both for the benefit of our fishing communities, as well as for the protection of the marine environment.”
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that this visit was very important and served to further strengthen collaboration between the countries. “The Maltese Government remains committed to supporting local fishing communities including at a European level. This meeting is a testament to our vision for a more resilient and sustainable fishing sector.”
During the three-day visit, the Bulgarian delegation will be visiting Aquatic Resources Malta, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as a number of projects financed by European Funds for fisheries and aquaculture.
