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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George
W. Vella was in Paris in February to par-
ticipate in a meeting of the Med 7
group that apart from Malta is com-
posed of France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus,
Spain and Portugal. The Meeting was
convened to discuss unfolding develop-
ments in the region, in particular the
crises in Libya and Syria as well other
pressing priorities concerning youth
employment, migration in the Mediter-
ranean as well as environmental chal-
lenges in the regions.
The EU’s High Representative and Vice
President of the Commission Federica
Mogherini was also present for the
talks.
Minister Vella thanked his French coun-
terpart for convening the meeting at a
time when the tension in the region is
escalating to very worrying levels. The
fact that the Ministers were meeting in
Paris, in the aftermath of the January at-
tacks is also very significant in itself, Min-
ister Vella said.
In addressing the Meeting, Minister Vella
elaborated on the situation in Libya,
which he described as an increasing
growth threat to security and stability in
Europe. He welcomed the fact that the
matter was brought to the UN Security
Council following a further deterioration
of events during the week and reiterated
Malta’s support to the reconciliation ef-
MED 7 MEETING IN PARIS DISCUSSES CRISES IN LIBYA AND SYRIA AND
MIGRATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
February Review:
DIGITAL DIPLOMACY DAY
MINISTER VELLA ATTENDS
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL
MINISTER VELLA MEETS
SMOM IN ROME
MINISTER VELLA MEETS
ITALIAN COUNTERPART GENTI-
LONI
MINISTER VELLA ATTENDS
MED 7 PARIS MEETING
TALKS WITH RT. HON. PHILIP
HAMMOND
VISIT BY RT. HON. PHILIP
HAMMOND
2
FAC DISCUSSIONS ON
LIBYA
3
MINISTER VELLA MEETS
ITALIAN COUNTERPART
4
MEETING WITH SMOM 5
DIGITAL DIPLOMACY DAY 6
INTERVIEW BY COMMER-
CIAL COURIER
10
PEOPLE 11
Contents:
February 2015 Issue 6
Il-Pont
The Bridge
“The evident rise of
extremist and terror-
ist entities in Libya is
a very alarming fac-
tor that needs to be
addressed”
forts being made by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr Ber-
nardino Leon.
Minister Vella stated that the evident rise of extremist and terrorist entities in Libya is
a very alarming factor that needs to be addressed. He also highlighted the impor-
tance of keeping the migration issue firmly in sight and called for EU solidarity in this
respect adding that prevailing instability in Libya will result in increased influxes of
migrants in the coming months.
As a response to growing inter-cultural and inter-faith tensions in the Mediterranean
region and beyond, Minister Vella stated that Malta actively supports deeper engage-
ment with important regional partners such as the League of Arab States and the Gulf
Cooperation Council. Every opportunity and existing mechanism should be availed of
to spread a culture of tolerance in Europe’s neighbourhood.
(cont from Page 1) - Med 7 meeting in Paris
Page 2
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The Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was in Malta in
February and held official talks with Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat, who was accompanied by the Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister for European Affairs and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Mr. Louis Grech and
the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. George W. Vella.
Following the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary Hammond held further talks with
Foreign Minister Dr George W. Vella at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. They discussed the excellent bilateral
relations that Malta and the United Kingdom enjoyed on the political level and in the areas of health, education,
trade and investment amongst others. Dr
George Vella informed the Rt. Hon. Hammond
about the preparations for the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting that will be held
in Malta in November 2015.
Minister Vella and the Rt. Hon. Hammond
discussed at length current affairs, namely the
unrest in Ukraine, the troubling situation in
Libya and illegal immigration in the
Mediterranean. They agreed that in times like
this, EU Member States have to continue
working closely together to identify solutions
and ways forward that bring peace and stability
in the EUs immediate neighbourhood.
VISIT TO MALTA BY THE RT. HON. PHILIP HAMMOND, UK SECRETARY OF STATE
FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, participated in the Foreign Affairs
Council in Brussels, where Ministers discussed the situation in Libya, the recent de-
velopments in Yemen, and terrorism. Ministers were also debriefed on the latest
efforts by Germany and France to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine and the possible
convening of a quadripartite summit on Wednesday 11th February in Minsk. Minis-
ters also formally approved additional listings of individuals and entities to be sub-
ject to EU restrictive measures, while reiterating the importance of maintaining a
united EU policy on sanctions. The Council also took note of the Joint Communica-
tion to the European Parliament and Council entitled "Elements for an EU regional
strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat", published by the European
Commission and European External Action Service on 6 February. This is the first EU
comprehensive strategy on tackling the crises in Syria and Iraq and the threat posed
by ISIL/Da'ish.
Minister Vella called for increased support for the latest efforts of Bernardino Leon,
United Nations Secretary General Special Representative as he prepares for next
round of talks in Libya, especially by way of increasing EU outreach to all relevant
Libyan parties, neighbouring countries and regional actors. Minister Vella referred
to the ongoing process as the last chance to bring the transition of Libya back on
track and ensure that it does not become a failed state. He also referred to the re-
cent attack on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli which is a proof that the ongoing insta-
bility is providing fertile ground for extremist groups and urged the EU to com-
mence a counter-terrorism dialogue with Libya's neighbours. Minister Vella warned
that the disintegration of Libya will have huge repercussions for the immediate re-
gion and will represent a threat to the whole of the EU.
Ministers expressed grave concern about the latest developments in Yemen, calling
on all political forces to take clear responsibility for their actions and the immediate
release of the President, Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet. Ministers re-
called that only a broad political consensus amongst the main political groups, set-
ting a clear path towards a Constitutional referendum and elections, can provide a
sustainable solution to the current crisis.
Ministers called for comprehensive action against terrorism in line with the 2005 EU
Strategy and decided to step up its external action on countering terrorism, com-
plementing actions taken in the context of justice and home affairs by external en-
gagement and outreach, especially to countries in the Middle East, North Africa, the
Sahel and the Gulf.. The Council agreed to review progress in implementation at its
next meetings, also in view of the upcoming European Council.
Minister Vella also attended a meeting of the Group of the Friends of Lebanon,
which preceded the Foreign Affairs Council. The discussion with Gebran Bassil, the
Foreign Minister of Lebanon, largely focused on the challenges being faced due to
the Syrian crisis as well as the support being provided by the EU to the host com-
munities and in the field of counter-terrorism, as well as the importance of pursuing
political and economic reforms.
FOREIGN MINISTERS DISCUSS ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS IN LIBYA AND EU
SUPPORT FOR EFFORTS TO RESOLVE CRISIS
Page 3
Issue 6
“Minister Vella
warned that the
disintegration of
Libya will have
huge repercussions
for the immediate
region and will
represent a threat
to the whole of the
EU”.
“Minister Vella
called for in-
creased sup-
port for the
latest efforts of
Bernardino
Leon, United
Nations Secre-
tary General
Special Repre-
sentative as he
prepares for
next round of
talks in Libya.”
In February Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, had a meeting with his
Italian counterpart, Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Rome. The ministers discussed the
recent developments in Libya and the different scenarios that could develop in the
prevailing circumstances. The phenomenon of the spread of ISIS jihadists as well as
the issue of migration featured high on the list of topics discussed. Both ministers
agreed that the situation needed constant monitoring and expressed the hope that
the efforts of the UN special envoy Bernardino Leon would lead to all relevant fac-
tions in Libya coming together to achieve continual peace stability and security under
the leadership of a national unity government.
The ministers also expressed
the hope that the ongoing
discussions at the UN Secu-
rity Council would succeed
to sensitise world opinion
on the situation in Libya.
Ministers Vella and Gentiloni
agreed to keep constant
contact and strive together
to raise more awareness of
the Libyan problem within
the European Union.
The message being that be-
sides the problem of Ukraine
the EU has also an equally serious problem to tackle which is Libya.
DEVELOPMENTS IN LIBYA DISCUSSED BETWEEN MINISTER
GEORGE W. VELLA AND MINISTER PAOLO GENTILONI
Page 4
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Both ministers agreed
that the situation
needed constant
monitoring and
expressed the hope
that the efforts of the
UN special envoy
Bernardino Leon
would lead to all
relevant factions in
Libya coming
together to achieve
continual peace
stability and security
under the leadership
of a national unity
government.
“The message being
that besides the
problem of Ukraine
the EU has also an
equally serious prob-
lem to tackle which
is Libya”.
Meta fi Frar kien fuq żjara f'Ruma, l-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, Dr George W. Vella, kellu
laqgħa uffiċjali mal-ogħla awtoritajiet tal-Ordni Militari Sovrana ta’ San Gwann, ta' Ġerusalem,
ta' Rodi u ta' Malta, mmexxija mill-Gran Kanċillier Albrecht von Boesslager. Il-laqgħa saret fil-
kwartieri tal-Ordni f’Aventino.
Matul il-laqgħa ġew diskussi r-relazzjonijiet bejn Malta u l-Ordni. Fost il-punti prinċipali ġew
diskussi ż-żjara statali li se jagħmel il-Gran Mastru f'Malta f’April u l-kommemorazzjoni ta’ żewġ
avvenimenti tar-rabta bejn l-Ordni u Malta, l-miġja tal-Kavalieri u l- kommemorazzjoni tal-
Assedju l-Kbir. L-iktar punt importanti tad-diskussjoni kien dwar il-Ftehim ta' Koperazzjoni li
jrid jiġi milħuq bejn l-Ordni u l-Gvern Malti dwar it-tmexxija tal-Forti Sant Anġlu. Il-Ministru
Vella saħaq li l-Gvern Malti jixtieq jara l-Forti Sant'Anġlu kif inhu issa restawrat, jiġi wżat iktar
għal skop turistiku, kulturali u anke bħala post ta’ esibizzjonjiet u kungressi, speċjalment relatati
mal-istorja tal-Ordni ta' San Gwann.
Waqt id-disskussjoniet ġiet espressa wkoll ix-xewqa li l-Ordni tinvolvi ruħha aktar fil-qasam
umanitarju b'mod speċjali fejn jidħlu l-immigranti rregolari. Id-diskussjonijiet kienu kordjali
ħafna u kien hemm il-qbil li delegazzjoni min-naħa tal-Ordni fil-futur qrib iżżur Malta ħalli jiġu
finalizzati d-dettalji u wkoll biex jippreparaw għaż-żjara statali tal-Gran Mastru. Il-Ministru għall
-Affarijiet Barranin, filwaqt li rringrazzja lill-Gran Kanċillier għall-mod pożittiv li bih laqa’ s-
suġġerimenti tan-naħa tal-Gvern Malti, wiegħed l-appoġġ tal-gvern għat-tisħiħ tar-
relazzjonijiet bejn l-Ordni u Malta, filwaqt li wera x-xewqa li l-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann tkun iktar
viżibli f’pajjiżna permezz ta’ attivitajiet li mistennija torganizza.
Il-Gran Kancillier von Boesslager kien megħjun fid-diskussjoni mill-Ambaxxatur Umberto di
Capua u mill-Balliju Fra John Critien, li kien qiegħed Ruma għall-okkażjoni. Il-Ministru Vella
kien akkumpanjat mill-Ambaxxatur il-Prof Buttigieg, rapprezentanti tal-Ministeru għall-
Affarijiet Barranin u wkoll rappreżentat ta’ Heritage Malta.
IL-MINISTRU GEORGE W. VELLA F’LAQGĦA MAL-OGĦLA
AWTORITAJIET TAL-ORDNI MILITARI SOVRANA TA’ SAN GWANN,
ĠERUSALEM, RODI U MALTA
Page 5
I l -Pont
4 ta’ Frar 2015 : Żjara uffiċjali fil-Ġermanja mal-Prim Ministru għal taħdidiet mall-Kanċillier Ġermaniż Angela Merkel
Il-Ministru Vella
saħaq li l-Gvern
Malti jixtieq jara
l-Forti
Sant'Anġlu kif
inhu issa
restawrat, jiġi
wżat iktar għal
skop turistiku,
kulturali u anke
bħala post ta’
esibizzjonjiet u
kungressi,
speċjalment
relatati mal-
istorja tal-Ordni
ta' San Gwann.
“I am truly encouraged by the world-wide recognition over these years by the valuable and efficient role which
the DIPLO Foundation has been playing over these years. Its achievements in capacity-building in the field of
diplomacy are remarkable and highly commendable”, stated the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. George W. Vella
when delivering his keynote speech at the
opening of the Digital Diplomacy Day 2015 –
“Diplomacy between innovation and tradition”,
held at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Valletta
on the 2nd February.
Addressing those present, including the
participants who in the coming days and months
will be following the Masters/Post Graduate
Diploma course, Minister Vella spoke about the
uniqueness of the DIPLO course, as it brings
together traditional and modern methods of
human resource development. In this regard,
DIPLO has succeeded to use the modern medium of on-line information and communication technologies and
the expertise of active and retired diplomats and academics. “This critical combination has created a synergy of
real skill development, effective learning and knowledge in the
practice of diplomacy”, continued Dr. Vella.
Established 12 years ago as a joint undertaking between Malta
and Switzerland, DIPLO Foundation is a non-profit organisation
and its vocation is to assist all countries, particularly small States
and those with limited human resources, in representing and
promoting the interests of their own countries. More importantly,
such courses provide on-the-job training and in-situ training, an
innovative way which allows these countries to participate
meaningfully in multilateral fora and activities through the most effective use of ICT tools including Webinars.
DIPLO now counts over 290 alumni from these programmes, most of them diplomats, coming from all parts of
the globe. With more than 3000 alumni from 189 countries, DIPLO has managed to build along the years an
impressive infrastructure and methodology for online diplomatic
training, with no less than 500 diplomats and officials from nearly
all small island States worldwide who have participated in online
courses.
Minister Vella also said that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has
decided to inject a substantial increase in the funding for the
Foundation’s activities and Programmes for 2015.
The Digital Diplomacy Day is organized by the Ministry for Foreign
Affairs and DIPLO Foundation on the occasion of the start of the 2015 Master in Contemporary Diplomacy. The
Digital Diplomacy Day 2015
Page 6
I l -Pont
Foundation has received wide recognition for its work, including consultative status
with the United Nations, the World E-democracy award 2009 and the hosting of the
2010 annual meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training.
The event was also addressed by Dr Jovan
Kurbalija, the founding director of DIPLO
Foundation and the Head of Geneva Internet
Platform, who gave a presentation on “Emerging
Digital Diplomacy”. Dr Kurbalija is a former
diplomat with a professional and academic
background in international law, diplomacy and
information technology. In 1992 he established the
Unit for IT and Diplomacy at the Mediterranean
Academy of Diplomatic studies in Malta, and after
10years of success the unit evolved into the DIPLO
Foundation. Dr. Kurbalija currently directs online
learning courses on ICT and diplomacy and lectures
in academic and training institutions in Switzerland,
the United States, Austria, Belgium, the United
Kingdom, the Netherlands and Malta.
Page 7
I l -Pont
”I am truly
encouraged by
the world-wide
recognition
over these
years by the
valuable and
efficient role
which the
DIPLO
Foundation
has been
playing over
these years. Its
achievements
in capacity-
building in the
field of
diplomacy are
remarkable
and highly
commendable”
- Minister Vella
Official visit of the President of the Republic of Malta to the Republic of Slovenia 24th February 2015
Page 8
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On the 6th of February Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr.
George W. Vella signed the Book of Condolences for
Former German President, Richard von Weizsaecker, at
the German Ambassador’s Residence, Ħal-Lija.
On the 15th February the Government of Malta strongly condemned the two deadly attacks that took place in
Copenhagen. In his reaction to the events, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella extended his
support to the Danish Government and underlined Malta's solidarity with the people of Denmark during the
difficult moments.
He stated that the nature of the attacks came as a further shocking development on European territory and
constituted a threat against all those who embrace freedom and tolerance.
Minister Vella reiterated that the Government of Malta categorically condemns all acts of terror irrespective of
who the perpetrators are. He added that the international community should look beyond these heinous acts and
continue to work towards closer inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. This, he added, is the most effective
and unequivocal response that the global community could give to those behind the attacks.
On the 24th February the Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that following a number of discussions between
Malta and the United Arab Emirates for a number of months, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is pleased to an-
nounce that the two countries have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding through which driving licences
held by citizens of the two countries will be recognised by the respective competent authorities.
This Memorandum of Understanding relates to holders who are in possession of a Category B driving licence,
equivalent to motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3500 kg and designed and con-
structed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Furthermore, motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass
which does not exceed 750 kg. Moreover, the Memorandum stipulates that citizens of the two states shall be ex-
empted from taking theoretical and/or practical driving exams when applying for the national driving licence/
permit in the country of temporary residence.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is pleased to note that while this Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be
signed, the authorities of the United Arab Emirates have already activated this Memorandum with effect from 1
January 2015.
Also in February ...
Page 9
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2 ta’ Frar 2015: L-Ambaxxatur ta’ Franza u l-Ambaxxatur tar-Russja jippreżentaw il- Copie d’Usage lill-
Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin Dr. George W. Vella qabel ma ppreżentaw il-kredenzjali tagħhom lill-
President tar-Repubblika.
Page 10
I l -Pont
Fi Frar ...
Minister for
Foreign Affairs
interviewd by
Journalist
Sarah Micallef
for “The
Commerical
Courier”. Read
it here on
Pages 30-36:
Interview:
Minister for
Foreign Af-
fairs by The
Commercial
Courier Feb-
ruary/March
2015
EU MEDAL FOR MALTESE DIPLOMATIC OFFICER SECONDED TO MISSION
IN LIBYA
An officer of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has been presented with the EU’s Com-
mon Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal for duties carried out with the
European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM
Libya).
Mr. Anis Cassar, a diplomatic officer with the Minis-
try for Foreign Affairs, served on secondment with
EUBAM Libya for almost nine months in 2014. This
is the first time that a Maltese civilian (non-military
or police) has been presented with the CSDP Ser-
vice Medal. The secondment of Mr. Cassar with
EUBAM Libya had been made in order to demon-
strate Malta’s exceptionally strong commitment to
the country
EUBAM Libya is mandated with training Libyan bor-
der management agencies and personnel. The Mission has been fraught with chal-
lenges resulting from the deteriorating security environment in the country which
have impinged on its ability to effectively carry out its mandate and eventually led to
its temporary relocation to Tunis in August 2014, and a downsizing of its personnel.
Despite the challenges, Malta has consistently been a strong supporter of EUBAM
Libya from its very inception in recognition of the fact that Libya’s border security is a
necessary prerequisite to state-building, as well as security in the wider Mediterra-
nean region. Two officers from the Armed Forces of Malta remain deployed with the
Mission in Tunis, providing remote maritime support and training to Libya’s Naval
Coast Guard and Navy.
People
Page 11
Issue 6
“This is the first
time that a Mal-
tese civilian (non-
military or police)
has been pre-
sented with the
CSDP Service
Medal”
On the 13th February the the Malta Government again reiterated its travel advice issued in August 2014,
against all forms of travel to Libya.
Furthermore, the Malta Government again strongly advised all Maltese nationals in Libya to leave the country.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs advised that those in need of further information should contact the following
numbers:
MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS; Palazzo Parisio, Merchants' Street, Valletta, MALTA
Tel: +356 2204 2200
tese and English. I invite you to go
visit; it’s not only a good source of
information about the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs but you will also
find other news as well. From the
coming issue we will also have the
regular contributions by the Em-
bassies, Consulates and other rep-
resentations abroad.
I started looking at this publication,
The Bridge, a couple of weeks back
and started working on it, resulting
in this edition.
This is the 6th edition, following
the previous 5 and I thought of
changing the layout and format.
Hope you enjoy!
As the title implies, this newsletter
is a bridge, a pont, a link between
the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and
the reader, whether living in the
It is my pleasure to take ownership
of this monthly publication “The
Bridge” or “Il-Pont”.
Time flies! It is now just past five
months since I took over from
Maria Muscat as the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs’ Communications
Coordinator. Maria kept the same
role but with the President of the
Republic.
As soon as I had settled in, to-
gether with a team formed by the
ministry’s IT Department and also
the ministry’s secretariat, I updated
the Ministry’s website
(www.foreignaffaris.gov.mt), which
now reflects the government’s
corporate image. It is a pleasure to
note that this ministry’s website is
one of the few bilingual websites
giving all information in both Mal-
Maltese Islands or living in an
adoptive country.
This is your newsletter as much as
it is the ministry’s. Any comments
and suggestions are more than
welcome whilst articles sent will
also be considered for publication.
Please send your contributions and
any suggestions on the email pro-
vided on this page.
Hope you enjoy this edition as
much as I enjoyed compiling it for
you!
Etienne St. John
Communications Coordinator
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Editor’s note
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Palazzo Parisio
Merchants Street,
Valletta VLT1170
Phone: +356 22042369
E-mail: etienne.st-john@gov.mt
web: www,foreignaffairs.gov.mt
Phoenician Cippus at
Ministry for Foreign
Affairs, Malta. (read more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Cippi_of_Melqart)
Organization
T h e B r i d g e
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