The ripple effects caused by US President Donald Trump’s recent recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city have caused an international outcry, with a United Nations resolution calling on the US to retract its position being backed overwhelmingly by the General Assembly.
Malta was one of 128 countries that voted in favour of this resolution – a vote in line with our longstanding position that the future status of Jerusalem must be mutually agreed upon through meaningful peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
In this context, actions which undermine the prospects for the two-State solution, and exacerbate instability in the region, must be avoided. Malta, as a neutral country, believes that both peoples must be able to live side by side with mutual recognition, peace and security.
I had the opportunity to explain our position to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an informal breakfast of the EU28 Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels in December. And during my official visit to the Holy Land over the Christmas period, I also shared with both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders my concern that President Trump’s declaration could have repercussions for the prospect of much-needed and desired peace in the region.
This was reiterated at this month’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, when foreign ministers from all EU Member States exchanged views and concerns on the latest developments. We also relayed this over an informal lunch with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, where the peace process, bilateral relations and regional developments were discussed.
I expressed my concern about the US’s decision to drastically cut funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), particularly as this will have a significant impact on Palestinian refugees, especially youths, alienating an already vulnerable generation. I can confirm that Malta will continue to actively support UNRWA in terms of funding.
Notwithstanding our position, we had very fruitful talks with Israel during my official visit, covering issues from cultural initiatives to mutual commercial interests and security in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Our bilateral relations continue to go from strength to strength, and, in line with international consensus, even though the US is pushing ahead with opening its embassy in Jerusalem, we are keeping our embassy in Tel Aviv.
Though the US is pushing ahead with opening its embassy in Jerusalem, we are keeping our embassy in Tel Aviv
And I was pleased to read Israel’s ambassador to Malta, Eyal Sela, tell this newspaper that Malta’s stance on recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is nothing more than a “disagreement between friends” and that bilateral relations remain as strong as ever. He correctly continued to go into detail about our ongoing discussions on tourism, expressing hope for links by Israeli airlines in the near future, and ways of increasing the number of Israeli companies investing in Malta. We are looking forward to the Israeli company, Car2Go, soon offering a national car-sharing system in Malta.
I also believe there is scope for further cooperation on resources, particularly water. Both our countries face water scarcity problems, and Israel leads the way globally in water recycling, with nearly 90 per cent of waste water treated and reused, mostly in agricultural irrigation, which we could learn from.
But apart from enhancing our bilateral relations, my visit to both Israel and Palestine had another purpose: to help create the right conditions to save the Middle East peace process and cooperate as much as necessary in getting both parties around the negotiating table.
Malta wants to be a bridge builder between Israel and Palestine, while increasing our commercial activity with both sides. Having ‘trade promotion’ under my ministerial remit, it is my duty to facilitate trade and commercial talks with all our international partners.
I also had the opportunity to meet my Palestinian counterpart during my official visit to Palestine, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, as well as President Abbas.
I relayed Malta’s commitment to strengthening our already excellent bilateral relations, while proudly speaking of our longstanding support for the Palestinian people as well as their inalienable rights and aspirations.
In this scenario, I believe Malta must push forward all ideas and proposals intended to bridge the gap between Israel and Palestine.
Which is why we voted in favour of the UN resolution – because Malta can exploit its unique neutral status to act as a host for peace talks and a catalyst for peacekeeping-related projects.
Both would help achieve peace in the Mediterranean region – something I am fully committed to.
Carmelo Abela is Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion.