We are gathered here today to celebrate the National Day of the State of Qatar and to reaffirm the excellent relationship that exists between our two countries.
In June, Malta and Qatar marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, a significant milestone. Over the past five decades, we have developed a strong relationship based on the principles of mutual respect, shared interest, and understanding. I have no doubt that both sides will remain fully committed to continue building on these solid foundations in the years to come.
The steady growth in trade between our countries clearly indicates this willingness, with cooperation between the two sides spanning across a broad range of sectors and services.
I am pleased to note high-level exchanges with the Qatari Investment Authority, as well as efforts to build relations with Qatari Private Holding companies. Malta has a reputation as a stable, secure, and welcoming environment for Gulf investments, which are known to have played an important role in infrastructural projects on the island.
Looking ahead, there are numerous areas that offer opportunities for further growth: the financing sector, financial services, aviation, pharmaceuticals, energy, and education and training, to name a few.
Malta’s advantageous geographic position for the maritime distribution of hydrogen, and new opportunities for cooperation within Malta’s Exclusive Economic Zone, offer a significant pathway for investment in infrastructure relating to renewable maritime fuels.
Furthermore, we recognise the importance of EU engagement with the GCC region on trade, investment and other sectoral areas, with the objective of seeking an ambitious region-to-region trade relationship.
Through the newly launched Gulf Regional Framework Policy Malta aims to set out its strategic approach to engagement with a region that is not only a hub for global energy resources but also a dynamic centre of economic growth, cultural richness, and geopolitical significance.
To this end, Malta is keen to work closely with Qatar to remove, or at least mitigate, existing barriers to trade. It is for this reason that Malta has appointed its first Special Envoy to the Gulf.
To facilitate these endeavours, this year we marked the successful resumption of direct flights between Malta and Qatar, a vital link that will also boost business ties and people-to-people contacts. Tourism remains an important pillar of our relationship, and sustaining strong connectivity is key in ensuring a steady flow of visitors between our countries.
I firmly believe that partnerships thrive and flourish when meaningful connections are established between peoples, allowing them to connect to each other’s culture.
In this regard, the Maltese Embassy in Doha is actively engaged on the ground, and over the past year it has participated in various activities to showcase Malta’s artists and cultural heritage. These include the Coin and Stamp Exhibition during the GDPNet Cultural Festival, a live performance by Maltese artist Warren Galea at the Katara-European Jazz Festival, and Malta’s contribution to the poetry exhibition ‘Verses Across Borders’.
Malta will strive to maintain this momentum in the fields of culture, education, youth, and sports, especially in view of the agreements and legal frameworks currently in place.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests
The common values and principles that unite Malta and Qatar are also reflected in the multilateral sphere. Both our countries are committed supporters of the United Nations and international law. We both give utmost importance to peace and dialogue, essential elements in addressing common challenges and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
In this connection, I commend Qatar for its pivotal role, together with the United States, Egypt, and Türkiye, in mediating and facilitating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Gaza’s reconstruction will require the steadfast commitment of the international community and major donors. As we welcome the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803, we hope it will help end the suffering of the Palestinian people and pave the way for a just and lasting peace in line with the New York Declaration on the two-State solution, Security Council resolutions, and internationally agreed parameters.
Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine is now nearing its fourth year, and here too, diplomatic efforts are essential to achieve a peace that respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Beyond conflicts, global challenges like climate change, human rights violations, irregular migration, socio-economic inequalities, and transnational crime, also demand urgent attention.
No country can deal with these matters alone. It is only through concerted efforts that we can achieve effective and lasting solutions that serve our citizens and future generations. We must utilise existing tools and frameworks to fully leverage their potential and invest in them to make sure that they are fit for purpose in today’s world.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests
I once again extend my thanks to Ambassador Al-Dehaimi for hosting us this evening. Malta looks ahead with optimism to continue strengthening the bonds between our countries.
On behalf of the people of Malta, I raise a toast to the continued well-being of His Highness Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and to the enduring friendship between our nations and our peoples.
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