During a visit to the Greek capital, Athens, the Permanent Secretary
at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Mr Christopher
Cutajar, met with his Greek counterpart, Secretary General at the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs, H.E. Themistoklis Demiris. Discussions were held on bilateral
issues and on ways to enhance the already positive and vibrant relations
between the two countries. Throughout the meeting, regional matters, including
the war in Ukraine, Libya and the Western Balkans, and cooperation in
multilateral fora, were also discussed. Both countries share a common position
on numerous issues such as migration, being part of the Mediterranean group
within the European Union. Both sides agreed that the Mediterranean should not
be overlooked but should be a priority. Stability and security in the region is
key for a stable Europe, especially in view of the current issues in relation
to food and energy security.
Following this extensive meeting, Mr Cutajar visited the Maltese
embassy in Athens where he met the Maltese officials based in the Greek
capital, including the Maltese Ambassador to Greece, H.E. Joseph Cuschieri.
Maritime affairs were also discussed with officials from the Malta Ship
Registry Office.
The
visit ended with a lecture given by Mr Cutajar at the University of Piraeus, to
undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Department of International and
European Studies. The lecture focused on the relevance of neutrality in times
of increased polarisation and war. The lecture attracted the interest of the
students who were keen to learn more about the particular positioning of
Malta’s neutrality within the European Union. Mr Cutajar noted that while being
debated, neutrality is perhaps now relevant more than ever. Mr Cutajar highlighted
that neutrality is an active enabler of peace over the use of force, and that
through its policy of active neutrality, Malta continues to pursue peace and
dialogue.