Tonight’s celebration commemorating the national day of the Arab Republic of Egypt is an opportunity for reflection on the deep and long-standing bilateral ties between Malta and Egypt. I have been informed that today’s gathering is also a celebration of 200 years of Egyptian diplomacy. Congratulations!
It is a partnership underpinned by an unwavering commitment to peace, stability and prosperity; further enriched by our shared Mediterranean identity.
This geographic proximity led many Maltese to settle in Egypt in the nineteenth and very early twentieth centuries, mainly in Alexandria. This contributed significantly to lay the foundation for cordial trade and commercial relations, since the two peoples had established a level of familiarity.
The latest statistics regarding the imports and exports of goods and services are a testament to this, and there is room for even further growth. To this end, Malta continues to welcome and encourage all measures aimed at promoting business ties between our countries; initiatives that seek to bring increased interaction between our commercial stakeholders.
In particular, there is scope to bolster cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, trade, and infrastructural development. These are areas that can lead to mutual economic gains, especially if they are geared towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the universal call to action adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure global prosperity by 2030.
Moreover, Malta sees untapped potential in the field of tourism, especially in light of the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that our two countries offer. Tourism is an area that we should explore together with ambition, alongside steps to improve connectivity by means of frequent direct flights throughout the year.
As an EU Member, Malta is also an advocate for even more enhanced relations between Egypt and the European Union. In this spirit, we welcome the upgrading of the EU-Egypt partnership to the level of a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, as well as the accompanying financial package of EU support.
Malta will continue to underscore the need for more constructive engagement between Egypt and the EU, emphasising the principles of mutual interests, shared ownership, and equal partnership.
Nearer to us, Malta welcomes Egypt’s strong engagement to strengthen multi-sectoral cooperation across the Mediterranean region including through frameworks such as the Pact for the Mediterranean.
The Pact for the Mediterranean offers an opportunity to strengthen our partnership and converge efforts in pursuit of a more stable, resilient, and economically integrated Mediterranean region; objectives more important than ever in the current geopolitical context.
Egypt is to be commended for the constructive role that it has played in recent years as a mediator between conflicting parties, facilitating humanitarian evacuations, and acting as a voice for peace in the region.
Through its tireless diplomatic efforts, Egypt has contributed to calming the flames of conflict that were engulfing the region, from Gaza to Iran. Egypt’s longstanding commitment to advancing the Two-State Solution remains particularly important, including through its indispensable mediatory efforts, which contributed significantly to the development of the Gaza Peace Plan.
In doing so, it has consolidated its position as a pivotal actor in the Southern Neighbourhood and a reliable partner on the world stage.
The current situation in Lebanon is deeply worrying and risks destabilising the region at a time when de-escalation is critical. Malta continues to call on all parties to exercise restraint, and to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is crucial to prevent further harm and suffering to civilians, and to avoid regional spillover.
We also share Egypt’s interest and resolve in preserving freedom of navigation and maritime security, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Suez Canal, in line with international law. Any disruption to these routes would have serious implications for energy flows, food security, inflation, and the global economy.
At this critical juncture, it is essential to sustain positive momentum and take all measures to prevent further destabilisation.
Malta also remains deeply concerned about the negative repercussions that these conflicts will have on future generations. We must reflect on the profound psychological impact that years of war inflict on children, many of whom have known little beyond conflict, destruction, and deprivation.
The world would greatly benefit from more dialogue and understanding among nations if we are to address the existential challenges of our time in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
It is disconcerting that millions of people around the world still face extreme poverty, hunger, inadequate housing, and a lack of basic services. Women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups continue to be disproportionately affected by war, conflicts, climate change, and rising inequalities.
These realities should lead us to think about the long-term consequences of such trends and redouble our efforts to ensure the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda. We must collectively take urgent action to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, spur economic growth, tackle climate change, and preserve our oceans.
In parallel, we must also continue to focus on addressing the root causes of migration in a holistic manner. We must work together to find effective solutions rooted in the principles of solidarity and the fair sharing of responsibility, while keeping the dignity and humanity of migrants at the centre of our efforts.
Ladies and gentlemen
I once again extend my thanks to Ambassador Badawi for hosting us this evening. Guided by our shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity, Malta will continue to attach great importance to strengthening relations with Egypt in the years to come.
On behalf of the people of Malta, may I now invite you to join me in a toast to the continued well-being of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and our peoples.