Strategic objectives of Malta's foreign policy - 1

This was truly a year of intense activity on all fronts, in the European Union, bilaterally, regionally, multilaterally, in the Commonwealth and also within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself.

A year in which Malta moved from presiding over and hosting the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Western Mediterranean Dialogue, the 5 plus 5, to the organisation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and of the first Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting which preceded it.

A year in which Malta settled in as an active participant in the various levels of decision-making process of the European Union, including the Common Foreign and Security Policy, to the negotiation and successful conclusion, under the UK Presidency, of the Financial Perspectives package for the years 2007-2013 in the General Affairs and External Relations Council of Ministers and in the European Council.

In this regard, of course, we eagerly await the European Parliament's agreement. I must highlight that, in our case, flexibility in the method of absorption of cohesion funding, was one of the determining factors in making the package acceptable to Malta. We augur that the Austrian Presidency of the European Union will be able to bring this process to a full and rapid conclusion.

This was also a year of important visits to, and bilateral engagement with, Malta's immediate neighbouring countries, Mediterranean and European Union states, countries of the Middle East and, further away, the United States and India. A year in which we launched new strengthened structures for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The strategic objectives of Malta's foreign policy will serve to guide our international action over the coming years, naturally, subject to periodic revision and adaptation in the light of evolving events and situations. In formulating these objectives we did not ignore what has been achieved in the past, over the years, particularly since this country achieved full sovereign statehood in 1964. Our aim is to provide, in a spirit of renewal, stronger direction and greater focus to Malta's foreign policy.

The European Union

Malta will continue to pursue meaningful participation in the European Union. Membership in a Union which, in our perspective, must add value to its member states and to its citizens. In seeking to make a success of EU membership for itself, Malta nonetheless also views that success in the light of a European project that has the necessary leadership and clear vision which can attract enthusiastic endorsement by its citizens and member states.

In this process, in our view, it is imperative to engage civil society and the citizen in formulating European policy and legislation and in taking forward the EU ideal of integration for peace, stability and increased shared prosperity. The Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, recently set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeks to serve as Government's reach to civil society, serving as a focal point of debate and reference on European issues.

Malta wants to see the construction of a strong European Union internationally in a multipolar world order subject to the rule of international law. We seek a European Union which is not only actively engaged in deepening relations with its neighbourhood in "a circle of friends", but also pursuing strong relations across the Atlantic and with all continents and major economic and political players globally.

In this regard, I would like to lay particular emphasis on the need to strengthen further the focus on European Union-Africa relations in particular with the African Union and regional African organisations. Malta supports the holding of a European Union-Africa summit in the shortest time possible to follow up on the first summit held in Cairo five years ago.

The Mediterranean

Malta will continue to play a proactive role in the promotion of peace and stability in the Mediterranean with the aim of continuing to improve the region's prospects for peace and prosperity and the modular ongoing creation of a Euro-Mediterranean Area of Free Trade, investment and stability based on respect for democratic values and the rule of law.

We will work towards this within the Euro-Mediterranean (Barcelona) Process and within other initiatives such as the 5 plus 5 Western Mediterranean Dialogue and the Mediterranean Forum. We will continue to make our contribution to retain the Mediterranean dimension high on the EU agenda.

In this context, Malta offers to host the Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, the inaugural session of which is scheduled in Jordan next month. By hosting this Secretariat, Malta can put its long-lasting commitment to, and understanding of, the Mediterranean region to the service of the parliamentary dimension of dialogue in the region.

The Middle East

Together with our partners in the EU, we will continue to support the renewed momentum for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict particularly marked by disengagement from Gaza and parts of the West Bank and the subsequent arrangements governing the Rafah crossing. We hold the view that the evolving political situations in Israel and in Palestine, however volatile, cannot be allowed to stall the peace process.

We strongly and unequivocally condemn statements that call for the eradication of the state of Israel. Malta continues to maintain its position in favour of the solution of two viable and contiguous states living side by side in peace and security in full respect of international law.

In this regard we perceive our role of rapporteur of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People as a role of moderation and as an expression of the importance of the United Nations as an established source of the international rule of law.

In this region, we also view with deep concern the latest developments in Iran and the rapidly deteriorating situation in sustaining confidence-building measures. We hope the Rubicon has not been passed.

We welcome the elections in Iraq and augur the rapid formation of the new government, the integration of all communities in the political process and its eventual reflection in the constitutional review.

The stability of the Middle East is of importance to all the international community and, in the context of the European Common Foreign and Security Policy, Malta will continue to support all efforts to achieve this in a lasting manner.

(To be concluded. Part two will be carried next Sunday)

Dr Michael Frendo is Minister of Foreign Affairs