In literall jargon, small is equated to size, however when this term is
used to define a state, more often than not, we are faced with the question of
what constitute a small state. There is ongoing debate as to what constitutes a
small state. Opinions differ to say the least. Academics have failed to establish just one
definition of small states, many seem to argue that size is defined by the
country’s landmass whilst others are of the view that “smallness” can be
perceived by their role in international hierarchy.
With an area of 316 km2 and a population that falls well
below the 1 million mark, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that Malta
is one of the smallest states in the world at least in terms of landmass. However,
our island’s landmass has not stopped Malta, from rising to the occasion time
and time again and actively contribute to debates within the international
community.
“Small size does not automatically translate into vulnerability in the
international arena.”
This quote perfectly mirrors Malta’s
foreign policy as Malta uses its geographical position, a small island-state in
between two major continents, Europe and Africa, and its neutrality, well in
international affairs. These two facts, Malta’s geographical position and the island’s
neutrality, help establish Malta as an honest broker. In fact, Malta can be
seen as a great champion of soft power. This is as Malta has always been vocal
and determined to work towards the strengthening of peace and security in its
immediate neighbourhood, the Mediterranean, which is directly linked to peace
and security in Europe and the rest of the world. Today’s regional
challenges have evolved considerably and Malta firmly believes that initiatives
in the Euro-Mediterranean region offer the suitable framework to address these
challenges through dialogue and cooperation, with the final aim of reaching the
full potential of the Northern and Southern shores of the Mediterranean.
The country’s potential is not
mirrored by its size. As an European Member State, Malta is a proud active
member of a Union whose intrinsic values have contributed to stability, growth
and prosperity to the region. Since the Malta Presidency of the Council of the
European Union, Malta has continued to work unabatedly to bring the EU closer
to its citizens and to ensure the EU remains relevant and credible. Firm in the
belief that the EU is the best platform to address the issues all the Member
States face, we have continued to underline that European solutions are
required to solve European challenges.
Fully recognising the importance
of having a rules-based multilateral system with the United Nations at its
core, Malta continues to uphold the importance of promoting international
cooperation firm in the belief that global issues require global solutions
which can only be achieved through active collaboration. The eradication of the
structures that have promoted cooperation and brought prosperity and stability
for decades needs to be stopped. In the words of John Donne, “No man is an
island”. As history has continuously shown, and as indeed we are witnessing
today with the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to revitalise and
refocus our efforts through multilateral endeavours which can secure lasting
solutions.
Over the years, Malta have sought
to take various steps towards contributing towards promoting dialogue on
different issues, from Law of the Sea and Oceans matters to Climate Change and
Ageing. Malta has also established itself as the jurisdiction of choice for all
types of innovative and avant-garde technologies. Recognising the capabilities
these technologies offer, Malta passed the first regulatory framework for
blockchain, cryptocurrency and Distributed Ledger Technology in November 2018. We
have also sought to harness relations both with International organisations as
well as with partner countries. It is also an honour to have been appointed as
a Co-Chair of the United Nation’s (UN) Steering Committee on Partnerships for
Small Island Developing States, a responsibility which Malta shall seek to take
ahead with a commitment and understanding that size does not determine
resilience.
At a time when one of the
greatest global challenges is the eradication of poverty, achieving the SDGs
and harnessing the potential they represent is beyond the reach of any single country,
irrespective of size and prowess. Malta has registered progress in a good
number of sustainable development targets. Data published in the 2019 SDG Index
and Dashboards Report places Malta in the 28th place, out of 162 countries.
This is a recognition of our collective actions in the drive to mainstream
sustainability.
Our ambition is clear yet, over the years, the central
fulcrum of our foreign policy remain our people. Each and every decision is
taken with the best interest of our people and that of the international
community at heart, for it is our people that make a nation. We are an island nation whose unique
identity, traditions and language have been at the centre of each and every
milestone of our history, have evolved
into a determined, resilient and modern nation, a country whose voice, outlook
and vision for the future are a living example that size is just a concept.
Attitude is what drives us.
Michela Zammit, Counsellor
Dennis Grech, Counsellor
Kimberly Zammit, Second Secretary