Malta was one of two EU member states not represented at ministerial level during an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels discussing the latest political developments in Egypt.

Times of Malta is informed that Foreign Minister George Vella did not make it to Wednesday’s gathering in Brussels as he is currently on holiday abroad with his family.

Malta and Belgium were the only two member states whose ministers did not make it to Brussels, sources said.

Despite the meeting being called at short notice, all other EU foreign ministers, together with two EU Commissioners, were there to discuss the emergency situation in Cairo.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office confirmed that Dr Vella could not attend.

After consulting the Prime Minister, Dr Vella sent Permanent Representative to the European Commission Marlene Bonnici in his place.

“Dr Vella made all attempts to find a practicable way of attending the meeting and going back to carry on with his [private] visit,” his spokesman said, but no such travel arrangements could be made.

The minister’s spokesman said that prior to the meeting, Dr Vella briefed Ms Bonnici thoroughly on Malta’s stand “and kept in very close contact by phone throughout the meeting until the final position was arrived at”.

The extraordinary council meeting was called by the EU’s High Representative Catherine Ashton.

Following their discussions, ministers condemned all acts of violence and agreed to suspend export licences to Egypt for any equipment which might be used for internal repression and to review their security assistance with Cairo.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said Malta called for a total cessation of violence.