We gather here today to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Türkiye. I begin by honouring the memory of His Excellency Erdeniz Şen, who was serving as Türkiye’s Ambassador to Malta until his untimely passing in May. During his tenure in Malta, Ambassador Şen distinguished himself as a dedicated diplomat who contributed to the strengthening of relations between our two countries with unwavering commitment.
Distinguished guests
In recent years, Malta and Türkiye have attached great importance to bolstering bilateral relations between them. Türkiye continues to be a priority partner for Maltese stakeholders. The bilateral agreements signed over the years in a wide array of sectors, such as tourism, air services, maritime, culture, health, social affairs, and taxation, among others, illustrate the breadth and depth of our cooperation.
Frequent high-level visits, including the visit by Foreign Minister Borg to Türkiye in June 2023, and that by Foreign Minister Fidan to Malta in February 2024, have further strengthened diplomatic ties.
One also notes that during his recent visit to Ankara on 23 September of the current year, the Honourable Speaker Dr Anglu Farrugia officially announced the setting up of the Malta-Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group, together with Numan Kurtulmuş, President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Trade and commercial relations in diverse sectors, such as electrical machinery, appliances, plastics, vehicles, cultured pearls and precious stones, iron and steel, and printing products, have also grown consistently, further highlighting these positive trends.
Malta’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Türkiye remains strong, and we will continue to encourage and support all measures aimed at promoting business ties. The second session of the Turkish-Maltese Joint Economic and Trade Commission has continued to pave the way for mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries and further facilitated trade in several areas, including technology, tourism, education, and culture.
Tourism figures are also encouraging, and daily direct flights between Malta and Istanbul have made travel between our countries significantly more accessible, not only with Turkish Airlines, but also with KM Malta Airlines. These connections offer thousands of tourists convenient and flexible options, enabling them to explore and enjoy the rich history and culture of both nations, with more than 20,000 Turkish tourists visiting Malta and 13,000 Maltese tourists travelling to Türkiye in 2024.
I am also pleased to note that around 2,000 Turkish students chose our island to study English in 2024, and we hope that these numbers will continue to increase in the coming years.
Cultural cooperation between the two sides is also noteworthy, with several initiatives taking place over the years. The opening of the Maltese Embassy in Ankara in 2017 has enhanced these ties and further strengthened the bonds between our peoples, and Malta recently participated in the Flying Broom Film Festival with the movie Castillo, an initiative supported by the Cultural Diplomacy Fund. In July, in partnership with the Malta Arts Council, the Embassy also facilitated the performance of a Maltese artist at the Sound of Europe Festival in Ankara.
Ladies and gentlemen
Malta and Türkiye, by virtue of their geography, serve as bridges between continents, both melting pots of different cultures. It is therefore natural that our respective foreign policies encourage dialogue, while respect for the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations underlies contributions on the international stage.
In a world increasingly marred by geopolitical tensions, where peace is becoming more fragile and the impact of conflict more far-reaching, Türkiye’s contributions in mediation are an example to follow.
Türkiye’s active involvement, together with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to bring the bloodshed and devastation that we have been witnessing over the past two years to a halt, is laudable. I sincerely hope that this ceasefire can offer the foundations for a just and lasting peace, a two-State solution rooted in Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters, where the two peoples can live in peace and security as good neighbours.
Türkiye is also an important player in the humanitarian field. I recall its invaluable role during Syria’s protracted civil war, during which Türkiye was instrumental in facilitating the delivery of cross-border aid to the north-west of its war-torn neighbour, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.
Neither can we sideline Türkiye’s efforts in trying to mitigate the global repercussions of Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. In July 2022, together with the United Nations, Türkiye brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed the safe export of grain and fertilizer from three Ukrainian ports during the war. This initiative helped stabilise global food prices at a critical juncture, as the world was still trying to find normality after the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Türkiye also facilitated direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
It is crucial that we continue to support efforts aimed at bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, with a view of achieving a peace rooted in the principles of international law, and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
As we reflect on these pressing geopolitical challenges, it is imperative that we spare no effort in upholding dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding. At a time where the multilateral system is under immense pressure from various quarters, our collective resolve to upholding and defend these values must be stronger than ever. They are the only path towards peace, harmony among nations, and prosperity for all our peoples.
These values, which are at the heart of relations between Malta and Türkiye, must also continue to underpin the foundations of our contributions in international forums.
Distinguished guests
I once again thank Mr Etem for hosting us this evening. Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening relations between our two countries and consolidating the excellent ties we enjoy today.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued wellbeing of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and peoples.