Malta’s foreign policy is forged to serve the nation
and its citizens, wherever they may be. It reflects the traditions, diversity
and strengths of the nation, and contributes to the ability to assert itself globally,
the peace and security it enjoys, and the fundamental rights and values
which establish its democracy.
Malta seeks as much as possible to resolve disputes between other countries and commits itself
with humility to promote UN charter values of choosing not to be a threat to
others and promoting patient negotiations, compromise and peaceful resolution
of conflicts.
Malta is guided by the values of neutrality, insofar
that neutrality is enshrined in its Constitution. Malta’ neutrality does not
mean that it is indifferent to what happens around it. Malta’s policy of
neutrality safeguards its effectiveness and credibility, which in turn enables it to play a significant role in actively
promoting peace and security in the region and beyond. Malta strives to continue to advocate for peace, security and stability,
dialogue, de-escalation, reason and the respect of international law. It
will encourage and pursue initiatives that will project the principles of
Malta’s foreign policy including in support of peace-keeping and
peace-building; the protection of civilians and humanitarian efforts; and
non-proliferation and disarmament.
The foreign policy is shaped to secure and develop beneficial
and peaceful bilateral and multilateral relationships with our neighbours
in Europe, in the Mediterranean and in Africa, and with the greatest possible
number of countries, contributing to the overall benefit of Maltese citizens in
the process.
Malta’s foreign policy also serves to increase prosperity
and improve the livelihood of its citizens. In conjunction with other
stakeholders, an effective foreign policy attracts investment and increases
trade, and supports the efforts of Maltese businesses in overseas markets, with
the objective of increasing wealth, prosperity and enterprise in Malta,
including both inward and outward investment
Malta’s foreign policy also aims to support the promotion of
its culture, the Maltese language and local talent overseas and
facilitate cooperation and partnerships with other nation states, seeking to make known to the rest of the world the
essence of what makes this country and its people warm, generous and resilient.
This foreign policy aims at enabling the country
to address adequately today’s challenges, which include the climate emergency,
security, international economic crime, the respect of and adherence to
international laws, the development of ethical technologies, the respect of
human rights, immigration, pandemics, terrorism, and the threat of nuclear
arms. These challenges know no frontiers or borders, and Malta has to work
together with the rest of the world for the common good.
Through its foreign policy, Malta seeks to continue to
contribute effectively in the multilateral system on a regional and
global level, to the agendas of the United Nations, the European Union, the
Council of Europe, the Union for the Mediterranean and the Commonwealth,
promoting democracy, human rights and sustainable development, and as a
champion for small states.
Our foreign policy builds on the
achievements of those who served and built this country, and had the courage to
dream and work towards making Malta independent, a republic, without military
bases, neutral and a member of the European Union; to live in a democracy while
creating wealth and gainful employment, to improve the quality of life for
Maltese citizens, Maltese living abroad and those who choose to live on the
Maltese islands, embracing the values of inclusion and diversity.