Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne met Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski in Warsaw, with both sides reaffirming the strong relationship between Malta and Poland and agreeing on the importance of continuing to deepen cooperation across political, economic and European affairs.
The Ministers discussed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through increased trade and investment, technology, innovation, maritime services, education, and broader institutional cooperation. They noted the considerable potential to connect Poland’s growing industrial and technological base with Malta’s strengths in services, digital sectors and the maritime economy.
Discussions also focused on the future direction of the European Union. Minister Fearne and Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski noted common ground on the need for a Union that is effective and capable of acting, while safeguarding the role and meaningful participation of all Member States, irrespective of size. The discussion also covered future enlargement and the importance of preserving equality among Member States.
The next Multiannual Financial Framework was another important area of discussion. Malta and Poland are both members of the Friends of Cohesion and share an interest in ensuring that emerging European priorities are addressed while continuing to support cohesion, competitiveness, investment and sustainable economic development across the Union.
The Ministers also exchanged views on the wider European and regional environment, including Ukraine, Libya and the need for a 360-degree European outlook which takes both the eastern and southern neighbourhoods seriously. Malta stressed that developments in the Mediterranean are closely connected to Europe’s wider security, economic resilience and prosperity.
Later in the day, Minister Fearne attended the official celebrations marking Malta Day and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malta and Poland. In his address, he reflected on how relations between the two countries have developed over the past five and a half decades, with growing links in tourism, business, and between the Maltese and Polish people.
Photos (MFEA)
