It is my pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate the National Day of Egypt, and to pay tribute to the enduring friendship that exists between our countries. This year holds special significance as in November we will also be commemorating the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic ties.
Our shared cultural heritage as Mediterranean countries has long provided a strong foundation for our relationship. Malta remains committed to further strengthening its cooperation with Egypt. In fact, is also scope for widening our cooperation in the educational and cultural field, while the health and energy sectors remain priorities. We are also eager to explore new areas for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
It is encouraging to note that trade in both goods and services continues breaking records year on year, reflecting the fruitful and growing economic dynamism between our nations.
Expanding and increasing trade between our two countries is important for Malta, and we are committed to deepening this cooperation further and unlocking new avenues for growth. To this end, we will continue to support initiatives that promote closer business ties and foster a dynamic environment for meaningful interaction between our respective commercial stakeholders.
At the same time, we must work together and intensify our efforts in overcoming existing trade barriers, and create a more open, inclusive, and conducive economic landscape. In this regard, the re-introduction of frequent direct flights to Cairo would represent a timely and significant step forward, facilitating greater connectivity and commercial exchange, and encourage tourist exchanges between our countries.
Excellencies, distinguished guests
The turbulent geopolitical landscape we are living in is cause for deep concern. If left unchecked, the ongoing cycle of war, conflict, and violence will have long-lasting repercussions on the Mediterranean region.
The recent escalation between Israel and Iran serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of instability in the region. It clearly demonstrates how confrontations can spill over, threatening to destabilise neighbouring countries and disrupt global trade. At this critical juncture, it is essential that the ceasefire is upheld and respected by both parties. Now more than ever, diplomacy and restraint must prevail.
Amid this crisis, we must not lose sight of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the immense suffering of the Palestinian population in the occupied Palestinian territories. Egypt is to be commended for the pivotal role it has played in ceasefire negotiations and in mediation efforts to secure the resumption of vital humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and the release of all hostages held in captivity since the horrific attacks of 7 October.
The international community must unite in calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. It is equally crucial that this be accompanied with unhindered and sustained humanitarian access to deliver aid at the scale necessary to meet the population’s urgent and critical needs.
I avail myself of this opportunity to voice appreciation for the cooperation and coordination between Malta and Egypt in facilitating the medical evacuation of Palestinian children from Gaza to Malta. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the Egyptian Government for its invaluable support in the recent evacuation of Maltese nationals from Israel via the Sinai Peninsula.
The latest wave of unrest in Libya has signalled the need of new impetus to engage all sides in efforts towards finding a genuine and lasting solution that leads to Libya’s stability, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Delaying this deepens the crisis and undermines the prospects of lasting peace.
The security and humanitarian situations in Sudan are also alarming. In this context, we acknowledge the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the international community and the African Union, as well as by partners, including Egypt, and reiterate the urgent need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to pave the way towards a sustainable peace.
These regional crises not only inflict immense human suffering but also fuel broader challenges, such as displacement and irregular migration, which remains one of the most pressing issues of our time and demands sustained and focused attention. Malta, situated at the heart of the Central Mediterranean route, is acutely aware of the profound impact that regional instability can have on human lives. This is why we stand firm in our belief that its root causes must be tackled in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
In this context, we greatly value and appreciate the invaluable cooperation of the Egyptian authorities in this field.
While outlining situations warranting attention and affecting the Mediterranean region, from a wider perspective we cannot sidetrack the situation in Ukraine, which remains critical for peace and security in Europe.
Last February, Malta and Egypt both voted in favour of the UN General Assembly resolution condemning the aggression, which is a clear violation of international law. A just and lasting peace, rooted in the UN Charter and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, is called for. The people of Ukraine deserve stability rooted in peace, and we must not lose sight of this goal.
As far as the EU-Egypt relations are concerned, Malta welcomes the present status of the EU-Egypt partnership, which has been recently upgraded. This underlines the fact that Egypt is a credible and reliable partner in the region.
Egypt and Malta also share common commitments towards the tenets of the United Nations Charter, and all efforts should be applied to fostering and supporting these principles in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Malta remains committed to nurturing and bolstering its relationship with Egypt, based on reciprocal trust and mutual respect, which have been the pillars of our friendship for these sixty years of diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Anis
As your term of service in Malta draws to a close, I express my sincere appreciation for your dedication and contribution to strengthening the ties between our two nations. I convey my best wishes for continued professional success.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the wellbeing of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and to the people of Egypt.