Next month, Malta and Greece celebrate the 60th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations, a relationship built on trust, respect, and common values.
Joining you today in celebration of the National Day of the Hellenic Republic is a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship between our two countries.
Over the past six decades, our countries have signed numerous bilateral agreements covering key areas such as taxation, search and rescue, air services and aviation, tourism, health, culture, education, science and technology, and agriculture. These agreements are a testament to a mutual willingness to bolster ties, increase people-to-people contacts, and foster relations between our nations.
Trade statistics demonstrate the steady flow of goods and services between our countries, highlighting a solid foundation on which we can continue to build. This is a priority for Malta, and we stand ready to work together to identify new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the areas of maritime and logistics, tourism, digital services, and ICT. To this end, we support and encourage all initiatives aimed at bringing about increased interaction between our respective business communities and commercial stakeholders.
Apart from these significant and encouraging trade figures, we are also pleased to note that the two-way flow of tourism has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels. We are determined to ensure that these results are maintained and enhanced for the mutual benefit of the tourism and hospitality sectors of both our countries.
Collaboration in the cultural sector is also yielding tangible results, as demonstrated by the various twinning agreements between towns in Malta and Greece. Furthermore, I am pleased to note the participation of three Greek artists at the Malta Arts Biennale, a unique platform that unites contemporary art and cultural heritage.
There is no doubt in my mind that there is scope for even more cooperation in this field, especially when we consider the extraordinarily rich cultural heritage of our respective countries dating back thousands of years.
Ladies and gentlemen
Beyond our strong bilateral ties, Malta and Greece have also established a close relationship in European and multilateral forums, working together on different agendas to advance our shared goals and objectives.
Our common European and Mediterranean identity makes Malta and Greece natural allies on a range of issues. The security situation in the Mediterranean is undoubtedly at the top of that list, with both our countries consistently serving as a voice to promoting peace and dialogue in our neighbourhood.
Greece is currently serving as an elected member of the UN Security Council, a role Malta held in the preceding term. We welcome the strong convergence in priorities between our two countries, and the continuity of our shared commitments to upholding international law, advancing the Women, Peace and Security and Children in Armed Conflict agendas, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
We also welcome Greece’s focus on maritime security, an area that Malta has consistently championed at the United Nations. Our sustained efforts in this area had in fact culminated in the signing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, in 1982, a Treaty which continues to serve as a cornerstone of international law by shaping responsible behaviour and enabling accountability.
This focus on maritime security is especially pertinent and more critical than ever, as the safe passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz is being heavily obstructed. Such actions are having grave repercussions on the global economy and energy security, with consequences that are bound to reverberate in the rest of the region and beyond.
At this delicate juncture, it is imperative that all parties to this conflict exercise constraint, and that the right of navigation of merchant and commercial vessels is ensured in accordance with international law. This principle was unequivocally reiterated in Resolution 2817, adopted by the UN Security Council on 11 March.
Aside from geopolitical tensions, there are other pressing matters that can no longer be ignored. Irregular migration is one such challenge, a phenomenon that directly impacts Malta and Greece as we continue to face sustained migratory pressures along Mediterranean routes. We remain convinced that this complex and multifaceted issue cannot be addressed by individual countries acting unilaterally and in isolation. On the contrary, it requires determined and concerted efforts at the regional and international level if we are to manage it effectively.
Addressing the root causes of migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner is paramount to mitigate the reasons for displacement, combat human trafficking and smuggling, and also to sustain the economic and social development in the countries of origin.
In doing so, it is vital that we always keep the humanity of migrants at the centre of all our considerations and spare no effort to uphold their dignity. To this end, the implementation of international frameworks such as the UN Global Compacts for Migration and Refugees is therefore indispensable.
Climate change too deserves our full and unwavering attention, and failing to act will have catastrophic consequences on future generations all around the world.
Climate change is a threat multiplier that has increased resourced-based conflicts in several parts of the world, exacerbating instability. In parallel, rising ocean temperatures and sea-levels are impacting livelihoods in small island developing States and coastal communities, further stressing the fact that a timely and integrated approach is urgently needed.
Against this backdrop of turbulence and uncertainty, it is therefore more important than ever that countries like Malta and Greece continue to stand as strong voices for the multilateral system and the values enshrined in the UN Charter. This is the only viable path if we want to find effective solutions to the problems we are facing and if we truly aspire to leave the world a better place for future generations.
Ladies and gentlemen
I once again extend my thanks to Ambassador Bezirtzoglou for hosting us this evening. Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening the bonds between our countries. We are keen and determined to continue building on these achievements.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued well-being of His Excellency Constantine Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and our peoples.