Government & Politics
Malta’s Foreign Policy strategic plan launched
By MaltaMedia News
Feb 8, 2006, 17:45

The Foreign Affairs Ministry launched the government’s strategic objectives of Malta’s Foreign Policy. During a press conference, Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo stated that the document contains 20 main objectives, providing in a spirit of renewal, stronger direction and greater focus to our foreign policy.

Minister Frendo said that the formulation of Strategic Objectives of Malta’s Foreign Policy must be seen within the context of the new reality of membership of the European Union and, equally, within the reality of a globalised world economy. He also mentioned increased competition, new emerging markets and industrial powerhouses, a defunct Cold War paradigm, a reform and review of the United Nations Organisation, the emergence of terrorism as a global threat, religious fundamentalism and the rise of illegal immigration.

The document explains that in its bilateral relations, Malta will continue to take into account and, where appropriate or required, follow EU positions on international issues. Bilateral diplomacy is also crucial within the EU as Common European Positions are the end result of positions taken in the capitals of member states. This procedure aids the gradual emergence of common positions taking account of particular interests of individual member or affected states.

Regarding illegal immigration, the document states that Malta will continue to raise international awareness in the EU and its member states and in the international community as a whole, and will also continue to seek increased policing of borders.

“Malta must be supple and fast to adjust to these new realities. It must be proactive internationally retaining a definite and clear focus” added Minister Frendo.

One of the document’s strategy is to maintain a special focus on furthering dialogue, peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The document explains that in particular, Malta will continue to promote the Western Mediterranean Dialogue (‘Five plus Five’), the Mediterranean Forum, the Euro-Mediterranean Barcelona Partnership, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.

Other strategies include networking effectively with the Maltese abroad; promoting stronger political and economic relations with the countries of Maltese Migration; promoting Maltese culture and identity internationally; promoting Malta as a location of international dialogue and scholarship; working with the International Community to defeat terrorism and extremism; and promoting democratisation and further respect for the rule of law and human rights and respect of the international rule of law and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict.

The document also includes other current global issues of concern to Malta that will also be addressed. Some of the issues are energy security, climate change, ageing, children and small states.

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