Ministers and representatives from 42 EU and Arab League countries have started meeting in Malta in the first ever high-level meeting between the two organisations.

Heading the delegations are Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa and EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero Waldner.

Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for foreign affairs arrived in Malta this afternoon but leaves this evening after quick talks with many of the participants.

The main focus of the conference programme is on tomorrow morning, when delegates will discuss a host of issues including climate change, energy security, trade and cultural exchanges.

Mr Moussa in comments to the press appeared to place particular attention to climate change.

"This is an important subject for us all. We have to tackle the subject together and use the available expertise to address the problem" he said, adding that the Arab League is in the process of drawing up a climate change policy.

The conference follows a Maltese initiative launched in 2006. Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, who is co-chairing the conference, said this was an unprecedented opportunity for the two organisations to engage in political debate on current issues important for both of them.

Picture: Dr Frendo welcoming Mr Solana.