I join you this evening in celebration of the National Day of the Federal Republic of Germany.
As two European countries connected by common values, Germany and Malta hold strong and vibrant people-to-people relations. Earlier this year, our nations celebrated sixty years of diplomatic ties, an enduring partnership which has led to the signing of several bilateral agreements in various sectors.
Trade remains strong, both in terms of imports and exports. German companies are among the leading investors in Malta, operating in a wide array of different sectors: manufacturing and industry, aviation and maritime, financial services and insurance, ICT and gaming, real estate, and hospitality. Malta will continue to support initiatives aimed at enhancing business ties and increasing collaboration between our respective commercial stakeholders.
Tourism also continues to thrive. In 2024 alone, 219,000 German visitors visited our shores, representing the fourth-largest group of visitors to our island and accounting for approximately 9% of all inbound tourism. Germany remains a top priority market for Malta, and we welcome ongoing initiatives that further strengthen these exchanges.
Malta also greatly appreciates the cooperation between the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. We are sincerely grateful for the invaluable contributions by the German Foreign Office, which are crucial to Malta’s continued efforts in providing high-quality educational opportunities to young diplomats.
Important exchanges are also happening in the cultural sphere, a reflection of the growing interactions between our artistic communities. Two German filmmakers participated in the Malta Arts Biennale of 2024, not to mention the German Embassy’s support to the Franco-German Pavilion. Our Embassy in Berlin also remains committed to promoting Maltese culture overseas by facilitating the participation of Maltese artists in events in Berlin. The Embassy is working on a project, entitled Choral Bridges: 60 years of Malta & Germany with the involvement of KorMalta to commemorate the 60
Furthermore, since its establishment in 1962, the German-Maltese Circle has played a pivotal role in promoting the German language and culture in Malta through the organisation of language courses and cultural events. In doing so, it is contributing meaningfully and tangibly to mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
These are just a few examples that highlight the cooperation that exists between our countries. I am confident that this solid foundation will continue to support our relationship, allowing it to grow further in the years ahead as we explore new avenues of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
Ambassador Beyer
On this occasion, I also wish to pay tribute to Germany’s role on the world stage and its extraordinary contributions to the UN system. Germany has consistently been a force for good through generous financial contributions and in-kind support in critical areas such as human rights, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, sustainable development, climate action, and accountability.
Malta deeply values such steadfast commitment to the multilateral system, especially in an era when the principles enshrined in the UN Charter are being challenged, disregarded, and treated with contempt.
This is clearly evident in our own continent, as Russia, a country entrusted with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, continues its war of aggression against its neighbour, Ukraine.
The violation of the airspace of EU Member States by Russian drones and fighter jets constitute a serious escalation and pose a direct threat to European security and civilian safety.
At this stage, I again reiterate that the changed dynamics of the international climate and situation warrant the re-thinking and restructuring of the United Nations organisation, if this international body encompassing the absolute majority of nations is not to become redundant.
As I have stated on numerous occasions, a world where ‘might is right’ would be detrimental to us all. Such a reality would have devastating consequences to the safety and security of all states, particularly smaller ones.
It would also destroy not only notions of fraternity among nations and peoples but it would erode trust among nations; trust which ideally should emerge stronger and stronger in the face of existential threats like climate change and sea-level rise.
Interdependence among nations has to be acknowledged as an ever increasing reality of our times, and its importance in the face of challenges facing the international community has to be realised and appreciated.
Interdependence among nations is at the basis of political and commercial stability, as well as global trade; elements which affect in no small way the daily lives of peoples.
Since the onset of the unjustified and unprovoked war in Ukraine, Malta and Germany have consistently condemned this aggression, firmly advocating for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, its right to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, the protection of its civilians, and the upholding of international humanitarian law.
Regrettably, international humanitarian law remains under immense strain, as illustrated by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Malta has unreservedly condemned the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 by Hamas, and affirmed Israel’s right to live in peace and security. From the very beginning, we have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The unacceptable number of civilian casualties and the levels of starvation is deplorable. As an immediate priority, Malta stresses the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.
Malta firmly advocates a two-State solution for the conflict in the Middle East where Israel and Palestine and their respective peoples can live side-by-side in mutual acceptance and dignity. The High-Level Conference which took place on 22 September in New York was a benchmark to consolidate international consensus around the initiative.
It is our hope that the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood by Malta and others in recent days can contribute to a lasting peace.
Regretfully, no amount of measures will contribute to peace unless they are situated within a wider environment conducive to peaceful coexistence, supported by Governments on both sides, who speak the language of peace, not war.
The rules of international law must always be upheld, without exception. Adherence to international humanitarian law is a must if human dignity is to be protected. We must never waiver in our firm resolve to withstand all violations of this dignity.
Dialogue must be retained and acknowledged as the foremost and universally accepted tool for conflict resolution, no matter how complex and multifaceted the issues.
Ultimately, it is peaceful cooperation among states that will help us shape a brighter future for the citizens of our respective countries, for future generations, and for our planet.
Distinguished guests
I once again thank Ambassador Beyer for hosting us this evening. I reiterate that Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening relations between our two countries, both bilaterally and within the EU.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued wellbeing of Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and peoples.