We gather here this evening to celebrate the National Day of the United States of America.
This occasion offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship and cooperation that exists between our two countries.
When we speak of the United States and Malta, many recall that rainy December day in 1989, when our country served as a stage for the historic meeting between US President George H W Bush and Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev. That was a pivotal moment in closing the chapter of the Cold War and ushering the beginning of a new era in international relations.
On that occasion, Malta’s stance of neutrality and non-alignment made it an ideal location for a Summit of such magnitude. In the years since, this principle has continued to be the north star of our foreign policy. It has solidified our reputation as an honest broker and a country that is consistently willing to play an active role in the pursuit of peace.
Our commitment to international peace and security is constant, as clearly demonstrated throughout our term as an elected member of the UN Security Council in 2023-24.
During this time, Malta and the United States co-penned Security Council Resolution 2744 [twenty-seven forty-four], which was unanimously adopted and co-sponsored by over 50 countries. This landmark resolution now serves as a lasting contribution for the further development of fair and clear procedures for those subject to targeted sanctions.
Malta and the United States also enjoyed close collaboration during Malta’s term as Chair-in-Office of the OSCE during 2024. We worked together to ensure the organisation’s sustainability and its capacity to provide holistic solutions for issues effecting the participating states.
Unfortunately, we are living in increasingly polarised times, where conflict and military solutions are replacing diplomacy and eroding international law, including International Humanitarian Law.
This can be clearly seen around the world. In Ukraine, Russia is continuing with its relentless aggression, further underlining the need for a just and lasting peace rooted in the UN Charter, in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
In the Middle East, the war in Gaza is having a devastating impact on civilians, making the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a massive influx of humanitarian aid more crucial than ever. We also cannot afford to lose sight of the moral and political necessity of a two-State solution.
The recent escalation between Israel and Iran is gravely alarming. The United States’ efforts to achieve a ceasefire have been crucial, and it is paramount that the ceasefire continues to hold to prevent the entire region from descending into instability and chaos. It is imperative that countries with influence on Israel and Iran use their leverage to promote diplomacy, dialogue, and restraint.
As stated by the UN Secretary-General at the Security Council on 22 June, all member states must act in accordance with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law. Furthermore, Iran’s actions must be in accordance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is a cornerstone of international peace and security.
It is undeniable that the level of distrust among the major global players is impinging on our collective capacity to address the common security challenges of our century. Such attitudes, coupled with mis- and disinformation, are having a negative impact on the United Nations.
During the last eighty years, the United Nations through its various organs, most notably the General Assembly, has provided a platform for nations, big and small, affluent and still developing. It has strengthened multilateral exchanges and despite armed conflicts, it helped stave off World War III.
As such, the international community must nurture it and strive to make it more effective if it is to fulfil its primary purpose of peace, security, and dignity of all peoples.
If multilateral diplomacy is to thrive, nations must recommit to the principles of compromise, inclusivity, and bridge-building, and support this by providing adequate and predictable resources. They must also be prepared to identify frameworks that are no longer relevant or effective and strive towards a more just and stable that reflects contemporary realities. Nevertheless, it is imperative that all the valuable elements of the current system are retained.
We must also redouble efforts to uphold the principles of International Humanitarian Law and protect the space in which humanitarian aid workers operate.
The transatlantic partnership between Europe and the United States has also served as a cornerstone of global peace and stability. It remains of fundamental importance, especially in today’s geopolitical landscape.
It must remain robust, ambitious, and forward-looking, with enhanced dialogue and active engagement between Washington and Brussels.
The EU-US partnership is the largest bilateral trade relationship in the world, encompassing 800 million people. This underlines the need for harmonious and mutually beneficial trade policies that sustain economic growth, stability, and shared prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
Let us cherish and nurture the enduring bond between Europe and the United States, for it is rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
If we act in a united manner, we can rise to contemporary challenges and shape a more peaceful and sustainable tomorrow.
Mr Toko,
On behalf of the people of Malta, I kindly ask you to convey my heartfelt greetings to President Donald J Trump and raise a toast to his well-being and to the people of the United States of America.
