“It is
essential that as Mediterranean countries we remain united in order to face the
challenges we have in the region. We cannot work in isolation to solve problems
which are collective.” Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian
Borg emphasised this while he was addressing the 7th Regional Forum of the
Union for the Mediterranean and the 4th Ministerial meeting of the
Southern Mediterranean countries in Barcelona.
Malta was,
still is and will continue to support every effort being made by the Union for
the Mediterranean so that everyone contributes and assists for solutions during
this difficult time that the region is going through. Minister Borg reiterated
how Malta will continue to push forward the need for more dialogue in order for
peace and stability to reign.
Minister Borg
spoke among others about the importance of food security and the impact on the
increase in prices in our region. He said that this phenomenon cannot be
ignored and it is necessary for all countries to think of tangible solutions
for this crisis to be addressed. The Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke about
how Malta is working so that the Maltese and Gozitan people experience the
least impact possible with regards to these increases, particularly when it
comes to the energy sector.
During his
interventions Minister Borg also spoke about the sectors of climate change,
youth and women and the need for more connectivity between the Mediterranean
countries.
In the margins
of this meeting, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade also
had bilateral meetings with the Secretary General of the Union Nasser Kamel and
the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Libya Najla El Mangoush, Lebanon's
Abdallah Bou Habib and Morocco’s Nasser Bourita.
