PRESIDENT FENECH ADAMI MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER OF SPAIN

Trans-national issues were discussed during a meeting between The President of Malta, H.E. Dr. Edward Fenech Adami and the Spanish Prime Minister, H.E. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero during his second day of his official visit in Spain. The President was accompanied by the Hon. Michael Frendo, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Referring to the problem of irregular immigration, the President discussed the fact that once immigrants are granted the right to stay in the host country, a subsequent problem stems from the fact that such people, coming from culturally diverse backgrounds, may not succeed in integrating within the society in which they are living. Reference was also made to the root causes of the phenomenon. President Fenech Adami continued by saying that southern European countries need to co-ordinate their efforts in dealing with these problems.

The President and the Spanish Prime Minister discussed the strong bilateral relations between the two countries, both European Union member States with a Mediterranean dimension. The President underlined the fact that since it’s inception to date, the EU has made remarkable achievements in promoting peace and security. They also discussed the future of the European Union and the Union’s involvement in international affairs.

Later in the morning, President Fenech Adami and Mrs. Fenech Adami visited the City Hall of Madrid where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Madrid, Mr. Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón. The President was conferred with the title of Distinguished Guest of the City of Madrid.

The President also met His Grace, Mons. Antonio Maria Ruoco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid at the Curia of Madrid.

On a separate programme, Mrs. Fenech Adami accompanied by Mrs. Irene Frendo and Mrs. Imelda Naudi visited the Descalzas Reales Convent.

The second day of the President’s official visit to Spain included visits of cultural interest at the Almudena Cathedral and the famous El Prado Museum.

During the day, the Maltese Foreign Minister and the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, signed the convention between the two countries for the avoidance of double Taxation and the prevention of Fiscal evasion with Respect to Taxes on income.