Earlier
today the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg held a
bilateral meeting with the Minister of State for Europe and Climate of Germany,
Dr Anna Lührmann.
During
a discussion between the two Ministers in Valletta it was stated how the two
countries have a very good relationship but with room for further improvement.
While the trade sector was discussed, Dr Ian Borg reiterated how Malta can
offer much more particularly in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and English
language teaching sectors.
Minister
Borg also spoke about the situation regarding irregular immigration. Once again
he reiterated the importance that the European Union urgently takes strong
decisions in this regard and above all to implement the Valletta joint action
plan and the much-needed reform takes place.
Cooperation
on a multilateral level was also discussed during this meeting, particularly in
the United Nations and the European Union. Minister Ian Borg also took this
opportunity to explain in detail our country's priorities on the United Nations
Security Council and how Malta must be an important voice for the European
block. He explained how on a European level, during these difficult and
particular times, our country believes in the need for more cooperation between
the member states.
Minister
Borg also discussed with Minister Lührmann the possibility of Germany to also
join the International Maritime Sanctions Compliance Centre together with other
countries such as the United States and Japan. This is an initiative that our
country is piloting.
From her end,
Minister Anna Lührmann stated how Germany looks at Malta as an important
political and economic partner. She emphasised that it is of great importance
and worth recognising how Malta is giving importance to climate change even at
the level of the United Nations Security Council. Minister Lührmann also
discussed the situation in Libya and the enlargement of the European Union