Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne met Slovak Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár for talks aimed at strengthening the relationship between Malta and Slovakia and identifying areas where the two countries can work more closely together, both bilaterally and within the European Union.
“Malta and Slovakia may have different realities, but we share a strong interest in a European Union that listens to all its Member States and delivers practical solutions to the challenges we face together,” Minister Fearne said.
The discussion covered a number of the main challenges currently facing the EU, including the next Multiannual Financial Framework, migration and competitiveness. The Ministers identified important areas of common ground, particularly on the need for European policies to remain practical, proportionate and sensitive to the different realities of Member States.
Ukraine and the wider European security environment were also discussed. Minister Fearne stressed the importance of looking at European security from a 360-degree perspective, recognising the challenges on Europe’s eastern flank while also maintaining a strong focus on stability and security in the Mediterranean, particularly Libya.
The meeting also marked the beginning of closer coordination ahead of the 2030 Council Presidency cycle, when Malta and Slovakia will form part of the same Trio Presidency together with the Netherlands. Both Ministers agreed that early cooperation and regular coordination will be important in building a strong working relationship and helping to ensure an effective and coherent Presidency cycle.
The Ministers also discussed the importance of maintaining the right institutional balance within the EU, agreeing that every Member State, regardless of size, should retain an effective and equal voice in shaping European decisions.
Both sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum from the meeting and to continue strengthening cooperation between Malta and Slovakia in the months ahead.
During the official visit, Minister Fearne also accompanied Minister Blanár to a courtesy meeting with the President of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, at San Anton Palace. Minister Blanár also held a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Carmelo Abela at the Parliament of Malta.
