“Malta has, is and will continue to
promote peace with the hope that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will
soon come to an end.” This was stressed by Minister for Foreign and European
Affairs and Trade Ian Borg during a bilateral meeting with the Federal Minister
for the EU and Constitution of the Federal Chancellery of Austria Karoline
Edtstadler.
During this meeting, several topics that
are of interest to both countries, were discussed. On his part, Minister Ian
Borg spoke about the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict and explained
how Malta believes that more diplomatic developments are needed rather than
military efforts. He reiterated Malta’s solidarity with Ukraine and how our
country will continue to adopt the agreed sanctions on a European Union level.
Minister Borg also
discussed the subject of migration with Minister Edtstadler. He reiterated that
Malta will continue to advance its position and called on Austria to show
solidarity with our country on the international fora and to support different
relocation mechanisms.
Minister Borg also spoke about Malta’s
candidacy for the non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council
which will be focusing on three main themes: security, sustainability and
solidarity.
Minister Karoline Edtstadler stated that
she is pleased to end her ‘Tour de Capital’ in our country with this official
visit. She wished Minister Borg every success in his new post and stressed that
Malta and Austria have much in common, and therefore believes that there are
many topics on which both countries can intensify their bilateral work
together.
Edtstadler stressed that Malta and Austria
practice neutrality in their constitution and will see to it that they all
continue to work for greater collaboration. Minister Borg and Minister Edtstadler
agreed that more initiatives should be taken to further strengthen the
neutrality of countries.
