A foreign policy that does work

The recent developments in our relations with Qatar are the fruit of a determined and holistic approach to have a foreign policy that bears fruit.

To be in a position to do so, one has to invest heavily in relations and also prove to be a partner worth trusting. Our policies over the years were always clear and we made the best of every opportunity we had to show we can be trusted.

The last four years were a crucial test for Malta. Our position in the Mediterranean got a new definition as a result of the events that took place in the region.

The Libyan crisis meant that Malta needed to be a strong ally to those who needed support. This included the Libyan people and those who needed our country as a humanitarian base for the massive evacuations that took place in the spring of 2010.

The diplomatic work was complemented by efforts on other fronts, including promotion of the various industries and services that Malta could offer to those seeking a location where to invest and transfer their operations.

The possibility to sit down and discuss issues of vital importance for our country with the Qatari Emir came thanks to the fact that there is confidence in the potential of this country and also because of the various diplomatic efforts that took place in the past years.

As the Prime Minister often remarked, nothing happens by mere coincidence. Had we not been careful in looking at the bigger picture, we would not be in a position to discuss with countries with significant growth potential like Qatar issues that will ultimately impact the quality of life of citizens. In contrast, we had a leader of a party who reportedly confirmed its commitment to build close ties with the North Korean Workers’ Party.

Once again, the country is witnessing the importance of having a strategic direction when it comes to foreign policy.

When the people chose the Nationalist Party in the 1980s, they voted for liberty, democracy and work. It was a choice between a political party that embraced Europe and a party that embraced dictators and tyrants and the people went for what the PN had to offer.

When the people, in two occasions out of three, chose the PN in the 1990s, they reaffirmed their choice to become European. When Labour was entrusted with running the country – even if only for two years – on the premise of being everything to everyone, except being European, the people realised that Labour would not get the country anywhere.

When the people confirmed their choice in 2003 and 2008 there was a reaffirmation of this vision. In 2003, the Maltese twice chose the PN’s vision of becoming European Union members against being the Cinderella of the Mediterranean disguised as Swiss in the Mediterranean. Again in 2008, the people chose a party that believed in Europe rather than one that looked rudderless.

The people will be called again to choose. They will choose between a party that is clear and transparent in its international role and a party that, once again, is proving to be somewhat shady. While the Labour Party refrains from presenting its plans for the future it recently took a number of steps that make us think and somewhat worry. Is there cause for alarm?

Why shall we trust Labour when the person spearheading their foreign policies is the same one who negotiated and signed agreements with dictators and totalitarian regimes in the 1980s?

How can we trust Labour when those spearheading their foreign policies were all against EU membership and the adoption of the euro?

How can we trust a Labour leader who first advised his predecessor against EU membership and then was the first to conveniently change his views and even ran for a European Parliament seat?

To the contrary, we have actively sought that our foreign policy is aimed at securing a better future for all the people.

Just like in the economy, in foreign affairs we need to compare those who actively worked to seek the best interests of the country with those who talk out of convenience instead of conviction. Alas, talk is cheap but when one sees through it, one understands how such talk can put a country’s well-being at risk.

The author is Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment.