Foreign Minister Tonio Borg has cautioned his European counterparts not to fear new democracies with "an Islamic tinge".
Dr Borg made his remarks when addressing the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels following talks between EU Foreign Ministers and the secretary general of the League of Arab States, Nabil El-Arabi on how to enhance cooperation and relations in the light of developments in the EU southern neighbourhood.
The Foreign Affairs Council positively welcomed the League of Arab States' recent sanctions against the Syrian regime for repeatedly failing to prevent unrest and violence.
While calling upon President Assad to relinquish power with immediate effect, further restrictive measures were imposed specifically targeting members of the regime.
Dr Borg said EU minister should assist these new Arab democracies in their efforts to uphold democratic credentials.
Being the first foreign minister to hold talks with members of the newly appointed Libyan cabinet, Dr Borg stated that it was essential for the uncoordinated militia to be fully integrated in an organised police force.
The Council welcomed the well-organised and peaceful start of the parliamentary elections in Egypt and expressed deep concerns at the violence and unrest that took place in the past days.
In view of increasing concerns on Iran's nuclear programme, the council designated a further 180 entities and individuals directly involved in the nuclear activities to be subjected to restrictive measures.
It agreed to broaden sanctions by examining additional measures in the financial, transport and energy sectors in view of the findings in the latest International Atomic Energy Agency.
The council condemned the attacks on the British Embassy in Tehran and the expulsion of the British ambassador, considered as a violation of the Vienna Convention to which appropriate measures were to be taken.
When discussing Serbia's candidate country status, Dr Borg this should be granted to Serbia. The advantages, he said, outnumbered disadvantages.