Med. Foreign Ministers meet in Paris

Foreign Ministers from 11 Mediterranean countries assembled in Paris for the 11th Mediterranean Forum meeting.

This is an annual informal meeting in which Foreign Ministers discuss topics of common interest.

Topics discussed included the Barcelona Process, the new European Neighbourhood Policy, regional cooperation and terrorism.

During the meeting, Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo said that today there is an even greater need for the Barcelona Process 10 years after it was first launched. Dr Frendo called for dialogue as the key to develop confidence building in common security measures. He emphasised the need of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation to reduce potential conflict.

He highlighted the need for an alliance or convergence of civilisations noting that it was a great challenge to counter media images of conflict, terrorism and military action so as to ensure that our society continues to appreciate and support the need for dialogue and a culture of cooperation.

Dr Frendo also augured that Libya would decide to form part of the Barcelona Process as soon as it deemed it appropriate.