Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will be visiting Israel in the coming months, Acting President Anton Tabone has announced.
He was speaking during a reception to mark the 62nd anniversary of Israel’s Independence.
The visit, he said, should further strengthen the close ties between the two countries.
The announcement was made at a delicate time in the relationship between the two countries, days after Malta protested strongly over the shooting by Israeli forces, of a Maltese woman during a Palestinian protest in Gaza.
Mr Tabone referred to that incident and reiterated Malta's ‘deep concern’.
“We await to receive the result of a proper investigation,” Mr Tabone said.
“Israel has every right to live in peace and security, free from provocation and terror. We recognise that the Israeli nation is living under constant threat. And we support the yearning of all Israelis for real and durable peace.
On the other hand, the Palestinians have the right for a state of their own that will offer them a secure and prosperous future. The misery of the Palestinian people breeds violence and violence breads misery. The spiral of hostility benefits no one."
He said that Malta and Israel enjoy a warm and friendly relationship.
“We should not allow the issues that I have just outlined hinder progress in our bilateral exchanges and the further nurturing of warm relationships between the people of Israel and the people of Malta. On the contrary, the challenges around us should make us more resolute in the search for a closer and more constructive dialogue at all levels.”
FLIGHTS
“It is my wish that the commencement of chartered flights, due to start soon, between Malta and Israel in parallel to the existing arrangement made by Air Malta to take passengers to and from Tel Aviv via Istanbul leads to the ultimate goal, that of having direct flights between our two countries.”
He said that an extra effort was needed to conclude all formalities relating to the Double Taxation Agreement.
Such an agreement would develop further the framework conducive towards more dynamic commercial exchanges and investment opportunities between our two countries.