Honourable Prime Minister,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Firstly, I wish to thank Ambassador Meir for his kind words which I appreciate and treasure. 

May I also congratulate the Ambassador for his endeavours in organising this annual event to mark Israel’s Independence Day.  The relevance of this day underlines, in more ways than one, that the existence of the State of Israel today is beyond contention and that it has found its rightful place amongst the community of nations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I cannot but request you to note the following statement by Israel’s President Shimon Peres during last week’s meeting with President Obama in Washington, and I quote “I come to you as the President of the State of Israel to emphasise that Israel wants peace, Israel is committed to the peace process.  I have spoken in-depth with Prime Minister Netanyahu before coming here, and I bring a clear message: Israel is ready to begin negotiations with the Palestinians immediately.  Israel does not want to rule another nation.  Conquest goes against the Jewish values that we hold in our hearts.  The government of Israel respects all previous international commitments, including the Road Map.”  I take this opportunity to request you, Mr Ambassador, to convey my appreciation of high esteem to President Peres and to congratulate him on his efforts towards peace in the region.

This is the positive approach that we welcome.  Let the warring parties put down their arms and engage in a true constructive dialogue.  The world at large, but particularly those in the region that have experienced nothing but suffering, misery and bloodshed over the past decades, expect nothing less. 

We have to show in a practical and effective way, that we mean what we say.  The music world, as we have recently witnessed, has already provided the right example.  For the first time, an Israeli Arab singer is forming part of the duo representing Israel in this month’s Eurovision song contest in Moscow.  And the title of the song is really fitting – There must be another way.

Let us put aside the tools of destruction and usher in the instruments of peace and diplomacy.  To Israelis and Palestinians alike I say, putting right with might has not produced and will not achieve the goals we have been yearning for so long.

I shudder to think of any other alternative to two states, Israel and Palestine, living as true neighbours in peace within secure and internationally recognised borders.  In parallel, I find no alternative to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East that incorporate other neighbouring countries in the region.  Only then, instead of confrontation and division, we will have peace and unity.

The challenges are many but opportunities abound.  There is a dire need to grasp the opportunity that is presenting itself.  The pilgrimage of hope by His Holiness the Pope to the Holy Land, though raising certain eyebrows, should lead towards a new era of understanding and cooperation.  Past grievances, though understandable, egoism and personal interests should make way for true reconciliation between all peoples in the region regardless of race, creed or colour.  However, no true reconciliation can happen unless there is remembrance.

There is also the prerequisite for both sides to make honest concessions, yes through negotiations, that will suit us well into the future.  This is no sign of weakness.  It shows the resolve and commitment towards a better tomorrow.  Then we will lay back in pride and hand over to future generations the world deserves.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Relations between Malta and Israel are warm and friendly.  However, there needs to be added impetus towards stimulating our relationship in all sectors, be they political, economic, social and cultural.

As you rightly said, Mr Ambassador, Malta’s opening of an Embassy in Israel next month is a significant step that needs following up.  Equally relevant is the holding of an Israeli Commercial Day next July, the early conclusion of pending agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and the promotion and protection of investments and the facilitation of direct flights between our two countries.  I also take the liberty of highlighting the relevance of the parliamentary dimension in our relationship.  You are well aware that parliamentary diplomacy has become an important tool in international relations.

With regards to the latter, I need not highlight the initiative taken by the Maltese House of Representatives to set up a Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.  I appeal to the Knesset to re-engage in the workings of this Assembly.  The Knesset’s contribution is necessary and essential.

You have pointed out, Mr Ambassador, that during the last six decades Israel has achieved many impressive accomplishments in a wide variety of areas.  You will agree that this is precisely why the need arises for more frequent exchanges between us.  We have to sit together more often and identify new avenues of cooperation in areas that you mentioned and others such as agriculture, tourism, sports and the environment.  The forthcoming visit of Minister Tonio Borg to Israel will provide an excellent opportunity to kick-start a new era of cooperation between Malta and Israel.

Ladies and gentlemen,

With these thoughts, I now propose a toast to your health, Mr Ambassador, to the health of Israel and its people and to our common pursuit of peace, security and stability in our region.