The EU must take a more leading role in global affairs and be more assertive on the international stage, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told a conference organised by The Economist this morning.

Speaking on many aspects of the European political dimension, Dr Muscat said Europe needed to work better with partners and like minded states to strengthen its power.

He said the EU should remain open to enlargement as closing the door would mean closing the door on its future.

Referring to the latest developments in the Mediterranean region, Dr Muscat said that while lessons were learnt, there was now an emerging consensus that developments in the Mediterranean could never be taken in isolation from Europe, or the international community.

Dr Muscat said his government has taken relations with Libya to new heights and Malta remained fully committed to assist the North African country as it experienced a very delicate transition.

The conference this morning was also addressed by a number of other dignitaries, including former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

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