Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said there was a lot of business potential in the tourism sector from Israel, with Israeli businesses claiming that, if more flights were available to Malta, they could take them up. At present Malta had only invested €60,000 to encourage tourists to visit from Israel.

Dr Muscat was answering questions put after making a statement in the House of Representatives on his visit to Israel, Palestine and yesterday’s talks with the Greek Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that Maltese businessmen had made useful contacts with Israeli counterparts during a meeting held with the Chamber of Israeli manufacturers. One local businessman had concluded a deal on the construction of security doors.

Dr Muscat said that Malta had defended the EU guidelines to ban Israeli products manufactured in illegal Jewish settlements.

The Israeli outlook on the future of Syria was very bleak. They were concerned about what might happen after, and if, the present Syrian regime is ousted.

Israel also confirmed its position that no matter what progress is made, sanctions against Iran should remain in force.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel which, he said, had been scheduled under the previous administration.

He also agreed with the Government’s stance on the Israeli- Palestinian peace process, adding that there was consensus on this issue. He also asked what was discussed with Israeli authorities on Syria and Iran.

Dr Busuttil asked the Prime Minister to confirm or otherwise whether the illegal immigration issue was on the agenda of the EU Heads of Government council next weekend. He also asked whether Malta, Italy and Greece would present a common proposal on the immigration issue and for details on this proposal.

Other questions were put by MPs from both sides, with the Opposition Deputy Leader Mario de Marco asking whether more Jewish and Palestinian students would be encouraged to study in Malta and discussing issues that divide them in an attempt to foster peaceful cooperation.

Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said Malta was particularly popular with the Israelis, who were year-round tourists. There was not even the need for much advertising, since two major operators did most of the work.

At the moment there are three charter flights a week. However, although opportunities exist, one must resolve existing bottlenecks.

Similarly, attracting tourists to Palestine was possible, but not easy, due to the negative perception and limited accessibility.

Mr Vella said the Palestinians had been asked to participate in Amitex, as an opportunity to advertise their country.

Dr Muscat said that whilst the sector had great potential, Malta now had to work on its Jewish heritage, which although not abundant, existed. There was also clearly room for greater collaboration when it came to healthcare, he said, adding that the government was open to all proposals.

Commenting on yesterday’s meeting with Greek Prime Minister Samaras, Dr Muscat said immigration had been on the agenda.

It would continue to be discussed on Friday morning, as the two countries would work at developing a common position.

Dr Muscat said they had already discussed a number of proposals they would be making together, even though the problems faced by the two countries were different.

Ultimately the important thing was the political will to take action, he said, adding that he had no doubt the two countries would present a common front.

The next time immigration will be on the EU summit agenda is next June, which was too late. Dr Muscat said they had encouraged the Greeks to call a special summit during its presidency next year.

Cyprus and other countries were involved, he admitted, but it was Malta, Italy and Greece which were at the core of discussions.