Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Minister Chris Fearne reaffirmed Malta’s continued support for Ukraine and welcomed the progress made by EU Foreign Affairs Ministers on the proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia. He also thanked the Irish Presidency for its leadership throughout the discussions and for taking into account the positions expressed by Member States.
“As this war continues to lengthen, the European Union must remain committed and stay the course. At the same time, we must continue working together to preserve stability in the Middle East, safeguard freedom of navigation, and uphold international law. These challenges require unity, consistency and continued multilateral cooperation,” Minister Fearne said.
Minister Fearne also referred to the continued activity of the Shadow Fleet in the Mediterranean, expressing concern over sanctions evasion, the risks posed to maritime security, and the potential environmental consequences. He reiterated Malta’s support for Ukraine’s path towards European Union membership and welcomed the European Commission’s continued efforts in this regard.
Foreign Affairs Ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Black Sea, the situation in the Middle East, and the recent conflict involving Iran.
During the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) High-Level Forum on regional security and cooperation, Minister Fearne expressed Malta’s concern over recent tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz and neighbouring Gulf states, stressing the importance of avoiding any renewed escalation. He urged all parties to uphold the Memorandum of Understanding.
Minister Fearne underlined that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and protecting seafarers in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts and expressed Malta’s support for progress on visa liberalisation between the European Union and the GCC countries.
On the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, Minister Fearne reiterated Malta’s opposition to any form of forced displacement and called for the release of withheld Palestinian clearance revenues. He also underlined the need to identify sustainable mechanisms to support the Palestinian Authority beyond the existing frameworks.
Ministers also exchanged views on a number of other international developments, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sudan and relations between the European Union and the United Nations.
Following the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Fearne attended a meeting of the Palestine Donor Group.
On the margins of the Council, Minister Fearne also met Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates and Envoy of the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs to the European Union. The meeting focused on regional developments and opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Malta and the United Arab Emirates.
