During a joint press conference addressed by Prime Minister of Denmark Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi on Wednesday, the Maltese Prime Minister spoke of discussions the two parties touched upon during official talks earlier on in the day.
Malta’s progress since its accession to the European Union (EU), the EU’s future, cooperation for an offshore wind farm as well as the strain Malta is being subjected to because of the influx of illegal immigrants especially in the recent months were the main topics discussed.
Prime Minister of Denmark Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen arrived in Malta on Tuesday for a two-day working visit to Malta. On Wednesday he was involved in official talks with Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi in Castille Palace, Valletta. The Danish Prime Minister’s visit to Malta is the first visit by a Danish Prime Minister.
Speaking during the press conference following official talks, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi spoke of the challenges and pressures Malta is facing with regards to the illegal immigration. In turn, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi also expressed his appreciation for the support Malta is receiving form the European commission as well as from Commissioner Franco Frattini. The Maltese Prime Minster also took note of how ways to help Malta address what was called an “enormous problem” are being identified.
Dr. Lawrence Gonzi in insisted that illegal immigration has burdens which much be shared by all stated of the EU with means of border controls, rapid reaction facilities to countries and help effected countries could receive in repatriating individuals who are not granted refugee or humanitarian status.
Danish Prime Minister Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen expressed his understanding of the problem Malta is facing vis-à-vis illegal immigration. Prime Minister Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen pledged his support at an EU level to identify ways and means with which the issue can continue to be addressed.
The talks also focused upon Europe’s future in the light of its future enlargement and the stall European Constitution. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi called for a way forward in having institutional changes which will allow an enlarged EU to work and respond quickly to the challenges the bloc is facing.
Speaking of the two Prime Minister’s discussions on the Constitutional treaty, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi said that they discussed the possible options that could be considered under different scenarios that will be developing in the future.
Dr. Gonzi also noted how the bilateral relations between Denmark and Malta have been very good and have sustained regular growth over the past few years. A niche area to further develop relations between the two countries was identified in Denmark’s development of alternative sources of energy; in particular wind energy. This niche area is of particular interest to Malta for recently the government launched a call for international interest in developing offshore wind farms in deep sea water. The Maltese Prime Minister said that he hoped that Malta and Denmark would find a way to cooperate so the issue can be addressed.
Elaborating on the topic of offshore wind farms while addressing the press conference, Prime Minister Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Denmark “would be delighted” to cooperate with Malta further in this field.
Speaking of illegal immigration, the Danish Prime Minister insisted that it is a European issue which should be addressed through “a stringent EU cooperation on immigration policies”. Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen identified three areas in which cooperation can be enhanced. These areas are namely further development of the European border agency Frontex, the establishment of a rapid European border team where member states can voluntarily contribute with national border guards and the establishment of a common European border front which can provide financial assistance to member states of the bloc.
The Danish Prime Minster also said that the bilateral relations between the two countries are “the very best”, adding that there is room for enhancing and developing such relations in the future.
During his stay in Malta, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen was also taken to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral among other buildings of historical significance to the Island. He also paid a courtesy call to President of Malta Dr. Edward Fenech Adami’s Office.
See also:
Malta launches international call for offshore wind farms
By MaltaMedia News
Aug 3, 2006, 17:08 CET
Plan for joint sea patrols laid down
By MaltaMedia News
Aug 30, 2006, 10:58 CET
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
Top of Page
| 
