The European Commission is expecting Malta to give special attention to the problems in the Mediterranean, according to EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn – responsible for the development of the EU’s neighbourhood policy.

Addressing a public dialogue at the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday, organised by the European Commission representative office in Malta and the Strickland Foundation, Commissioner Hahn said that during the upcoming presidency, Malta is expected to focus on the development of relations with major Mediterranean partners including Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco.

Referring to the ongoing crisis in Libya, Commissioner Hahn said that a lot has been done during the past months, particularly to strengthen security in the area.

Admitting the EU did not focus too much on Libya when the situation was brewing, he said that through the help of Malta and other EU-Mediterranean member states, efforts are being made to keep the Libyan government at the table of negotiations so that more progress is achieved.

He said that relations with Algeria also ought to be strengthened further as he warned that it would be a big mistake if Algeria is not kept on the EU’s radar.

“Malta has already proved in the past that it can give a very valid contribution in the region which is full of contradictions and conflicts. I am sure that during its presidency of the EU, Malta would continue to help us find solutions,” he said.

The dialogue was also addressed by Foreign Minister George Vella, former EU Commissioner Tonio Borg and Malta’s former Ambassador to Libya, Joseph Cassar.

Recalling that the EU did not see the Arab Spring coming, Dr Vella said that member states need to learn lessons from what happened in North Africa and move forward. He said that what is happening in Syria cannot be ignored as this is leaving an impact on the whole region, and eventually also the EU.

Former Commissioner Tonio Borg suggested that similar to regular summits which the EU organises with Asia and South America, the EU must focus on more collaboration with the Arab world, particularly through the League of Arab States.

Suggesting a biannual summit between the EU and its Arab partners, Dr Borg said that the Malta- based EU-Arab league liaison office could act as a catalyst for such an initiative.

ivan.camilleri@timesofmalta.com