Malta continues to advocate the singular role of the OSCE’s Mediterranean dimension, Foreign Minister George Vella said today.

While encouraging opportunities for debate and possibly solutions, this, he said, should bolster a full and meaningful interface with the OSCE’s Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

“Such a measure must keep firmly in view the validity of also engaging with other Mediterranean countries which are key to security and stability in the region – countries like Libya, which regrettably continues to struggle to stand up again. It is important that we value our collective role in engaging with North African States that are currently undergoing radical transition processes.” 

Dr Vella was one of the main speakers in a debate on the war against terrorism and the challenges facing the OSCE at a ministerial meeting in Basel.

He said that every effort should be made to allow the OSCE to connect with determination with partners through the promotion of good practices, including on counter-terrorism mechanisms.

“My country has left no stone unturned to contribute towards the OSCE efforts as well as those of the United Nations towards this end.”

He said: “We are at a defining moment in the history of the OSCE.  The challenges – our common challenges – which we are facing as participating states of this organisation, are many and diverse.

“Our challenges are also those of the neighbouring countries of the OSCE if not also beyond.

“The fight against terrorism must continue unabated. We must stand firm and combine our efforts and determination to combat this phenomenon which in recent years has reared its head dramatically and transformed itself into a mammoth challenge to peace loving, democratic countries and populations,” Dr Vella said.