Malta's decision to reactivate its membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace is a clear sign of maturity for our country's political will. Participation in PfP will be a new challenge for Malta and our Armed Forces. Such an opportunity should gain Malta even more respect and recognition in the international arena.
Being a small state, the "capacity to act" would be limited but this will not limit Malta's commitment in the PfP as the approach during discussions and decisions will have the same weight and importance as any other state.
When the words 'military' and 'defence' are mentioned the question of Malta's neutrality always comes to our mind and sends shock waves to some. The PfP programme should not be mistaken for a military alliance; on the contrary, PfP promotes confidence-building measures between its members. Its concept is to develop the capacity for joint action in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Hasn't this been Malta's doctrine and ambition - to promote peace and co-operation between nations? In fact it is enshrined in the Maltese Constitution of 1987 that "Malta is a neutral state actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations".
Maltese neutrality has taken an active connotation by promoting several initiatives aimed at achieving security and stability in the Mediterranean. Malta has consistently played a prominent role in security institutions such as the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, Helsinki Final Act 1975 and the Euro-Med Process. This falls in line with the PfP's Framework Document, which sets out specific undertakings for each partner country.
Each partner country makes a number of far-reaching political commitments to preserve democratic societies; to maintain the principles of international law; to fulfil obligations under the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Helsinki Final Act and international disarmament and arms control agreements; to refrain from the threat or use of force against other states; to respect existing borders; and to settle disputes peacefully. Partner countries choose individual activities based on their ambitions and abilities.
The process of globalisation and the need for international collaboration to overcome common problems has diluted the traditional sovereignty and independence of all states, but in another sense the importance of small states has increased because the support required on many world-wide issues gives them a stronger role in international relations.
Membership in PfP enhances Malta's political will to ensure the proper evaluation and understanding of the Mediterranean world in European affairs and vice-versa. It is also in our national interest to know what is being decided regarding security measures around us. As a neutral in the Mediterranean, Malta's role should continue to provide "good offices" as an instrument of diplomacy to enhance its role as 'an island of peace'. Let Malta's voice be heard and heeded.