We gather here today to celebrate the National Day of Spain, and also to pay tribute to 57 years of diplomatic relations between the Maltese and Spanish people.
These fifty-seven (57) years have cemented a partnership that has resulted in the signing of important agreements and initiatives between our two nations. Yet, our close ties extend far beyond modern diplomacy.
These ties date back centuries, to the time of the Order of St John, and the presence of the Langues of Aragon and Castille, a presence whose tangible contribution has been literally cast in stone with the two Auberges, of Castille and Aragon, presently the seat of Government and the Ministry for Justice respectively.
Our geographic proximity and common Mediterranean identity have also contributed to the formation of this centuries-old bond, and the natural affinity that exists between our peoples.
Over the years, we have witnessed increased engagement and investment from Spain in several fields, including pharmaceuticals, insurance, and clean energy and technology. In this context, I acknowledge the valuable work carried out by the Maltese-Spanish Chamber of Commerce in actively promoting business, investment, and other commercial relations between the two countries.
Malta remains committed to continue bolstering and enhancing these ties with Spain, not only through the implementation of existing agreements, but also by exploring new avenues of cooperation in other sectors, and by offering tangible support to all measures and initiatives aimed at deepening trade and cultural ties between our countries.
It is also a pleasure to note the strong people-to-people ties between Malta and Spain, supported by increased connectivity and the wide range of flights operated by various airlines.
The first cultural agreement between our two countries was signed in 1976. Between 2006 and 2009, this cooperation was further strengthened through two Memoranda of Understanding, a Joint Statement, and a Cooperation Programme covering culture, education, and science. During your tenure as Ambassador, we have witnessed more progress, most notably the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in research and innovation in July 2023.
Twinning agreements between Maltese and Spanish towns, including Zejtun and Tocina, Gharb and Torrent, Marsaskala and Altea, and Mdina and Zaragoza, play a vital role in nurturing closer relations between our communities.
Distinguished guests
On this occasion, I would also like to say a few words on Spain’s role on the global stage. Malta recognises Spain as a committed multilateralist, and we greatly appreciate its robust and tangible contributions to international peace and security. Spain has participated in numerous United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and humanitarian aid missions, deploying members of its Armed Forces in more than fifty operations in various regions around the world.
Spain is also a consistent voice and strong advocate in promoting the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Over the years, it consolidated its position as a champion of multilateral institutions, recognising them as important instruments that tangibly contribute to the advancement of peace and prosperity, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.
This principled and consistent approach can be clearly seen in the Seville Plan for Multilateralism, which was presented last July. It is a concrete initiative, which serves not only as a testament to Spanish involvement in the multilateral arena, but also aims at taking important strides towards a more inclusive and representative global governance.
The Seville Plan for Multilateralism emphasised the need to sustain and strengthen multilateral structures to be better equipped to fulfil their mission.
Renewing the multilateral system to make sure that it is reflective of today’s realities is a noble goal, and a process that every country, regardless of size and wealth, should engage with.
In all this, we cannot lose sight of the fact that to achieve the intended goals, our multilateral institutions and their agencies rely on our support and presence. To achieve lasting results, our active participation with a firm commitment resulting in proposals and innovative approaches is a must. In addition to this, one cannot underestimate that financial contributions are also necessary if these institutions are to operate in an effective, inclusive, and responsive manner. Hence, we must all shoulder our responsibilities to ensure that they have timely and predictable funding to aid their function.
Global challenges require global solutions. Irregular migration, a reality that both Malta and Spain contend with, is a case in point. As a frontline state on the Central Mediterranean route, Malta recognises the significance and complexity of the matter, which requires a comprehensive approach. Particular attention must also be paid to the situation of children, unaccompanied minors, and women, who also face higher risks of sexual and gender-based violence.
It is therefore crucial to establish effective partnerships based on the principles of solidarity, partnership, joint leadership and shared responsibility to manage migratory flows, support countries on the frontlines, address the needs of those who need protection and provide durable solutions.
No country can confront this phenomenon in isolation, and stronger cooperation is needed within Europe and with our partners in countries of origin and transit. If we just focus on managing arrivals, we risk ignoring the deeper drivers of conflict, poverty, instability, and human rights abuses. These root causes must be tackled through partnership, development, and stability to deliver solutions that are effective and sustainable, while keeping the protection of human life as our foremost priority.
Dialogue is also key in addressing the existential challenges that we are facing today. From climate change to sea-level rise, from biodiversity loss to the advent of AI, all these cases need determined and concerted efforts if we are to tackle them in a manner that staves off damage already suffered and aims at preventing unforeseen and unintended consequences.
Spain’s position as a voice for international peace, prosperity, and human rights is also clearly reflected in its stance on the conflicts that have been plaguing our continent and our immediate neighbourhood over the past years. Whether talking about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the conflict and subsequent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, or the violence and unrest that we have been witnessing in Libya over the past decade, Spain has consistently called for determined efforts towards peace, humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians.
Malta shares these deep concerns. Specifically on Gaza, we welcome the breakthrough on the First Phase of President Trump’s Peace Plan, which aims to secure the release of all hostages, establish a permanent ceasefire, and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip. The diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in brokering this agreement are highly commended.
As I have had the opportunity to state on various occasions, Malta can never accept a world in which the strong can simply take over the weak, and a world in which humanity is trampled upon with impunity. The common good from a global perspective has to prevail if justice and peace are to remain the values underpinning international law.
It is imperative that fresh and concerted efforts to sustain the multilateral system that has served as the backbone of state interactions for the past 80 years are renewed and intensified. This can only be done if we engage in meaningful dialogue with each other, drawing lessons from the unique experiences that have shaped our nations and our societies.
Distinguished guests
I once again thank Ambassador Muriel Palomino 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.
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 continued wellbeing of His Majesty Don Felipe VI, King of Spain, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and peoples.