Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 November, 2023 at 11:55 am by Andre Camilleri
Malta and Germany share mutual interests that have the potential to enhance the already strong and robust cooperation seen in recent years, Prime Minister Robert Abela said following a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
He said that notably Germany stands as Malta’s primary trading partner, “with a substantial rise in both exports and imports over the past decade.”
He said that Malta and Germany have common economic interests that lead to the two countries increasing cooperation in a number of economic sectors. Here he mentioned innovation and technological advancements in manufacturing, as well as opportunities in pharmaceuticals, financial services, and aviation. The goal is to demonstrate strong support for investments that are environmentally friendly and contribute to the creation of more career opportunities, Abela said.
Connectivity emerged as a significant focus during the talks, he said, with Malta underscoring the continuation of strong connectivity, with a strong national airline commencing in March. Discussions in Berlin also addressed migration concerns, with Malta placing emphasis on preventing arrivals and combating human trafficking. Abela further stressed the importance of not only disrupting the illicit activities of human traffickers but also collectively ensuring that traffickers are held accountable before the law.
In discussions with the German Chancellor, Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke about strengthening dialogue and support for other Mediterranean countries such as Libya and Tunisia. The two leaders also discussed climate security and Malta’s role in the United Nations Security Council. It was stated that faced with global challenges, Malta will continue to advocate strongly for peace.
“The fact that our country hosted a high-level international meeting to find peace in Ukraine, called the Ukraine Peace Formula, and the resolution adopted by Malta at the Security Council continue to demonstrate our country’s commitment to peace in different regions,” said the Prime Minister.
The two leaders also spoke about the energy sector and environmental sustainability. Other subjects tackled were the importance of research and innovation and strategic cooperation in different regions, such as what Malta is doing to make the Mediterranean a clean energy hub.
In Berlin, Abela was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Commerce Ian Borg, the Minister for the Economy, European Funds, and the Arts Silvio Schembri, the Minister for Home Affairs, National Security, Reforms, and Equality Byron Camilleri, the Ambassador of Malta to Germany Vanni Xuereb, and the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister Glenn Micallef.
