Minister for Foreign Affairs, George W. Vella, has called on all parties involved in the conflict in Syria

to respect a fragile cessation-of-hostilities agreement due to be implemented later this week and

work together to de-escalate the situation in the country through political dialogue.

Speaking at a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers (Foreign Affairs Council) on 15 February 2016,

Minister Vella called on all parties to “put aside their differences, return to the peace talks in Geneva

that are set to resume on 25 February and engage in a meaningful manner in the interest of a stable

and united Syria.” Following the meeting, the Minister stated that the peace talks and the planned

cessation-of-hostilities are a glimmer of hope for the country, but warned that the current situation

on the ground puts the conflict at risk of becoming a larger proxy war. He underlined that this can-

not be allowed to happen, emphasising that such a scenario would have an inevitable direct effect

on the EU.

During the discussion the Minister also focussed his comments on the situation of civilians in the

country. Minister Vella stated: “all parties must prioritise addressing the plight of the Syrian people

and seize the opportunity that the Geneva diplomatic process provides to stop the killing, end the

suffering of the Syrian people, and allow unconditional and unimpeded access for aid convoys to

alleviate the humanitarian plight of the Syrian people.” Ministers also attended a working lunch with

the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gebran Gerge Bassil, where they discussed common chal-

lenges in the region.

During the meeting, ministers were also briefed on both the political and security situation in Libya,

including on the agreement on the establishment of a unity government and international efforts to

coordinate a strategy

to prevent the further

spread of extremist

elements in the coun-

try. Earlier Minister

Vella stated that "the

formation of the

Government of Na-

tional Accord is a

positive step in the

right direction, in the

long path towards

the eventual stabili-

zation of Libya."

Ministers also held a

discussion on the

importance of Euro-

pean climate diplo-

macy in encouraging implementation of the global agreement on climate change reached in Paris in

December 2015 (COP21). The situation in Belarus and Moldova, and relations with both countries

were also discussed. Minister Vella expressed support for the lifting of certain restrictive measures

on Belarus in light of some positive developments in the country, stating that it is a balanced ap-

proach that sends the right message. Council Conclusions outlining the EU’s policies with regard to

both countries were adopted.

Minister Vella urges de-escalation in Syria-Conflict cannot be allowed to become a proxy-war

February 2016 Issue 17

Il-Pont

The Bridge

Page 5

Contents:

MINISTER VELLA ON FIRST EVER

VISIT BY A MALTESE FM TO

KOSOVO

2,4

IFFIRMAT MEMORANDUM TA’

KOPERAZZJONI MAL-ALBANIJA

5

MINISTER VELL ALAUNCHES INIA

INTERNATIONAL COURSE

6

MINISTER VELLA PARTICIPATES IN

MED7 MEETING

7

IL-MINISTRU VELLA JIPPARTEĊIPA

FIS-CMAG

6-7

AENEAS AT THE MINISTRY FOR

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

8-9

SNIPPETS FROM MISSIONS ABROAD 10-

13

Minister George W. Vella on first-ever visit to Kosovo by a Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs

Page 2

Issue 17

On 2 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr George W. Vella held official talks in Pristina with representatives of the Government

of Kosovo. This is the very first visit of its kind by a Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs to the country. The most recent visit at

political level was that of Deputy Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi to Malta in June 2015.

Minister Vella held high level discussions with the Kosovar President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for For-

eign Affairs and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs. Malta was among the first countries to recognise Kosovo as a sovereign

country in 2008. The momentum gained since then, was described by both

sides as outstanding. In welcoming Minister Vella to Pristina, President Atifete

Jahjaga stated that Malta’s support to the reform process underway in the

country, as well as the country’s European aspirations, is a source of encourage-

ment to Kosovar authorities. On his part, Deputy Prime Minister Thaçi referred

to Malta as a model for several countries in the Western Balkan region which

are presently undergoing reforms on various fronts with the ultimate goal of

accession to the European Union.

Minister Vella underlined the importance that Malta attaches to the Western

Balkan region, both in bilateral and regional terms. In addition, he explained

that during the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first

semester of 2017, Malta will continue to very closely follow developments in

the region with a view of deepening engagement. Minister Vella commended

the Government of Kosovo on the recent achievements on this front, such as

the successful conclusion of the Stability and Association Agreement with the

European Union and the progress registered in various reform fields. He also

encouraged all political actors not to stand in the way of good neighbourly

relations for the benefit of regional stability. Minister Vella added that Malta

fully supports the efforts being made by EU High Representative Federica Mog-

herini in the framework of the High Level Dialogue with Serbia.

Minister Vella signed a Cooperation Framework between the two Ministries for

Foreign Affairs which addresses the sharing of best practices, expertise and

training. The Framework also identifies means through which concrete collabo-

ration in the fields of education, culture, commercial exchanges and health can

also be explored.

On 3 February, Minister George W. Vella addressed the Germia Hill Conference

on Stability in South Eastern Europe as keynote speaker. (Page 4 for details)

Minister Vella lauds the direct and unequivocal statements in favour of religious

tolerance in Muslim countries

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Malta congratulates the Presidential Council on the formation of a Government of Accord

On the 15th February the Government of Malta congratulated the Presidential Council on the formation of a Gov-

ernment of National Accord. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr George W. Vella said that the Government of Na-

tional Accord, together with all interested parties as well as the Libyan people, should now work towards the es-

tablishment of a fully-fledged democracy built on the rule of law and the respect of human rights.

Minister Vella stated that "the formation of the Government of National Accord is a positive step in the right direction, in the long

path towards the eventual stabilization of Libya."

Minister Vella, once more, reiterated Malta's commitment towards facilitating and assisting the friendly Libyan people in their

endeavours towards normality.

On 3rd February the Ministry for Foreign Affairs welcomes the Conference on the Protection of

Religious Minorities in Muslim majority communities, which was held in Marrakesh from 25 to 28

January 2016 under the auspices of H.M. King Mohammed VI.

Minister Vella lauded the direct and unequivocal statements in the Declaration in favour of religious tolerance in Muslim coun-

tries, in particular with regard to the need to ensure the full protection for the rights and liberties of religious minorities, their just

treatment and to restore the shared trust that has been eroded by extremists using acts of terror and aggression in the name of

religion. This event is a clear demonstration of Morocco’s leading role as a promoter of tolerance in the region.

Government of Malta expresses serious concern at the satellite launch by the Democratic

People’s Republic of Korea

On 9th February the Government of Malta joins the international community in expressing serious concern

at the satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) employing the use of ballistic

missile technology. This follows an earlier nuclear test conducted on 6 January 2015. These launches violate UN Security Council

Resolutions and other international conventions on international nuclear non-proliferation system, and threaten peace and stabil-

ity in the region. Malta calls upon the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to resume dialogue within the Six-party talk.

Minister George W. Vella condemns attack on Turkey

On 18 February the Government of Malta said that it is deeply shocked at yet another terrorist attack carried

out in Ankara, Turkey. It condemns in the most categorical terms this despicable act and expresses its pro-

found sorrow at this loss of lives. This latest terrorist attack cost the lives of 28 and left many more injured.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella conveyed sympathy and support to the Turk-

ish Government and its people. He extended heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the victims and augured a speedy recovery

to those injured. Minister Vella underlined Malta's outright condemnation of all acts of terror irrespective of who the perpetrators

are.

Minister Vella expresses his deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Boutros-Ghali

On learning of the demise of Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary-General of the United Na-

tions, on 17 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, expressed his deepest con-

dolences to the family of Mr Boutros-Ghali and to all Egyptians on behalf of the Government of the

Republic of Malta.

Mr Boutros-Ghali was a seasoned diplomat, outstanding Egyptian statesman and the first Arab to

be appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations. His successful leadership of the United Na-

tions during one of its most difficult periods is a true testament to his tireless advocacy of peace, democracy and human rights,

and his contribution to international affairs will long be remembered and the values he espoused remain central in addressing the

crises of today.

Minister Vella delivers keynote speech in Kosovo and tackles the situation in Libya, the external aspects of

migration, and the foreign policy priorities for the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella's visit to Kosovo continued on 3 February with an intensive schedule of meetings.

Minister Vella delivered a Key Note speech at a Conference in Pristina, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo. His

address touched upon the situation in Libya, the external aspects of migration, and the foreign policy priorities for the Maltese

Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The political dynamics in the Western Balkans also featured as one of the high-

lights, particularly in light of the European aspirations of the countries in the region.

The Prime Minister of Kos-

ovo, Isa Mustafa, received

Minister Vella at this Office

for official discussions that

centred mostly on the

recent intensification of

bilateral relations between

the two countries. Prime

Minister Mustafa under-

lined the importance that

Kosovo attaches to Malta's

readiness to support the

process of reforms pres-

ently underway in a num-

ber of crucial sectors. Minister Vella commended Kosovar authorities on the pace of reforms and encouraged increased focus on

rule of law, the judiciary and capacity building. He assured Prime Minister Mustafa of Malta's continued support to Kosovo as it

embarks on the road to EU accession. He particularly welcomed the signing of the Stability and Association Agreement with the

EU as an important first step.

Minister Vella also held a meeting with the Head of European Rule of Law Mis-

sion in Kosovo, Gabriele Meucci. Mr Meucci gave an overview of the Mission's

work on the ground and thanked the Government of Malta for supporting its

operations through the deployment of two officers from the Malta Police

Force. Minister Vella also had the occasion to meet the two Maltese officers

and congratulated them on their successful deployment.

Click on picture below for Keynote Speech by the Hon.

Dr. George W. Vella at the Germia Hill Conference:

Irregular Migration, the Situation in Libya and Malta's EU

Presidency Priorities: Pristina, 3 February 2016

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella visiting

the Cathedral of Blessed Mother Theresa in Pristina

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Il-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, Dr George W. Vella, fis-17 ta’ Frar kellu laqgħa bilaterali mal-Ministru tal-Affarijiet Barranin tar-

Republika tal-Albanija, l-E.T. Ditmir Bushati. Waqt il-laqgħa ġie ffirmat

Memorandum ta’ Koperazzjoni dwar il-Proċess ta’ Integrazzjoni għar-

Republika tal-Albanija fl-Unjoni Ewropea.

Permezz ta’ dan il-Memorandum, Malta se tkun qiegħda testendi l-

appoġġ tagħha lill-Albanija għat-triq li qabdet biex issir membru sħiħ tal-

Unjoni Ewropea. Il-Memorandum ta’ Koperazzjoni jagħti lok biex Malta

tkun tista’ taqsam l-esperjenza tagħha bħala membru tal-Unjoni Ewropea

fl-oqsma tal-implimentazzjoni tal-politika tal-UE u l-proċess ta’ adeżjoni.

Apparti hekk, Malta se tkun qiegħda wkoll tiffoka fuq suġġetti relatati

mat-tkabbir tal-Unjoni Ewropea

Din il-laqgħa saret matul iż-żjara li kien qiegħed jagħmel il-Ministru Vella,

bħala parti miż-Żjara Statali fl-Albanija tal-Eċċellenza Tagħha Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President tar-Republika ta’ Malta.

Ir-relazzjonijiet bejn Malta u l-Albanija huma pożittivi ħafna. Tul is-snin, l-awtorijiet taż-żewġ pajjiżi ħadmu tajjeb ħafna flimkien

f’diversi oqsma, u anki fil-kwistjoni tal-adozzjoni tat-tfal. Fost it-temi prinċipali li bħalissa għaddejja minnhom l-Albanija hemm il-

migrazzjoni, s-sigurtà fil-Balkani, r-riformi fil-ġudikatura, kif ukoll l-integrazjoni Ewropea. Malta dejjem tat l-appoġġ tagħha lill-

aspirazzjonijiet tal-Albanija biex tissieħeb fl-UE, u hija wkoll lesta li tħares lejn possibilitajiet ta’ koperazzjoni ekonomika u skambji

fil-qasam tal-kummerċ. Dawn huma kwistjonijiet li jinkorarraġixxu stabilità, paċi u prosperità fil-Mediterran u r-reġjuni tal-Balkani.

Żjara Statali fl-Albanija tal-Eċċellenza Tagħha Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca fl-Albanija ritratti

Iffirmat Memorandum ta’ Koperazzjoni bejn Malta u l-Albanija

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“Malta holds a key place in the history of international ageing policy. In 1968, the Maltese Government was the first nation to

bring a motion before the United Nations that called for an action plan in regard to the world's ageing population”.

This was stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella

on 22 February when he launched an International training course on

Social Gerontology at the International Institute on Ageing at the insti-

tute in Valletta.

Minister Vella said that in 2013, the Parliamentary Secretariat was re-

named ‘Parliamentary Secretariat for Rights of Persons with Disability

and Active Ageing’ to emphasise the Government’s commitment to-

wards improved levels of quality of life in old age. Dr Vella said that

this year instigated a renaissance for ageing policy as the Parliamen-

tary Secretariat for Active Ageing shifted its focus from ‘elderly care’ to

‘active citizenship’ issues.

INIA’s mandate is to empower low-income countries and countries with economies-in-transition, to cope with the challenges of

the consequences of mass longevity in the next decades by building capacity, so that they will be able to educate and train their

own personnel to formulate and implement their own appropriate policies. This is done by means of international training pro-

grammes held annually in Malta, as well as through in-situ training programmes held in collaboration with national and regional

training centres and also through the set-up of INIA’s Satellite Centres in different regions.

With strong financial support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, INIA held numerous international training programmes that

are oriented towards professionals working in the field of ageing. Up to December 2015, INIA has trained 2,165 candidates in

Malta hailing from 141 countries. In addition, 99 in-situ training programmes were held in 27 low-income countries and in coun-

tries with economies-in-transition, training 3,111 participants.

Minister for Foreign Affairs launches an INIA International training course on Social Gerontology

Ambassador designate of the United States of America to Malta presents her Copie d’Usage to the Minister

for Foreign Affairs

On 23 February Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George

W. Vella, received the ambassador designate of the

United States of America who presented her Copie

d’Usage. H.E. Glenna

Kathleen Hill, will be presenting her credentials to the

President of the Republic of Malta on Thursday 25 Feb-

ruary 2016.

In welcoming the ambassador, Minister Vella underlined

the need to further strengthen economic and commer-

cial relations between the two countries. Minister Vella

and Ambassador Hill also had an exchange of views on

the current political situation in the Mediterranean and

the Middle East particularly with regards to the situation

in Libya and Syria.

Minister Vella thanked the designate ambassador for

the excellent relations between Malta and the United

States of America mentioning particularly the coopera-

tion and help extended in connection with the migrants relocation programme, and augured that relations between the two

countries be taken to a higher level.

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'Stabilising Libya is an international responsibility. No durable solution without broad and all inclusive

dialogue.' Minister Vella discusses Libya with European partners at MED7 meeting.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr George W. Vella in Cyprus on 26 February participated in the third MED7 meeting hosted by his

Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kassoulides. Minister Vella was also joined by Ministers from Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Greece.

Discussions at Limassol were primarily focussed on the repercussion of the Syrian crisis on its immediate neighbours Lebanon and

Jordan, tensions in the Gulf region, Libya, migration and the EU's relations with the Arab World.

Minister Vella underlined the humanitarian aspects of the

Syrian crisis which apart from the disastrous consequences

on the population, have resulted in unprecedented strains on

its neighbour as well as European structures. Malta, Minister

Vella added, will be supporting international and European

efforts in support of Jordan and Lebanon. The two countries

have been enduring very severe repercussions of events in

Syria despite difficulties and limitations of their own. The

global political ratification entailed in the crisis requires addi-

tional attention and constructive stances by important actors

such as Iran, Turkey, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

On Libya, Minister Vella stated that Malta continues to fully

support the facilitation of dialogue between parties by UNSMIL and Special Representative Martin Kobler, despite the several de-

lays encountered. The underlying and common goal is the endorsement of a Government that would take its official seat in Trip-

oli. It remains vital that no doors are closed on all interlocutors, even if their positions seem to be presently entrenched. The inter-

national community should therefore continue to persist with its efforts

to broaden support on the UN's work. Libyan sovereignty, Minister Vella

added, should be respected at all times.

The Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean Fathalla Sijil-

massi joined Ministers during a discussion on relations with the Arab

World and gave a detailed overview of ongoing projects in a wide range

of fields. Minister Vella reiterated Malta's support to UfM and com-

mended the direct benefits that its projects are bringing to the grass-

roots. Relations between the EU and the League of Arab States are a

key priority for Malta and, Minister Vella added, the Maltese Presidency

of the Council of the European Union will see intensified efforts and

concrete plans on this front.

Il-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, Dr George W. Vella qiegħed Londra biex attenda

laqgħa straordinarja tal-Grupp ta’ Azzjoni Ministerjali tal-Commonwealth (CMAG), li

saret dalgħodu fis-Segratarjat tal-Commonwealth, f’Marlbourogh House. Il-Grupp ltaqa’

biex jiddiskuti r-riżultati ta’ żjara mill-missjoni ta’ CMAG li marret il-Maldives bejn is-6 u

t-8 ta’ Frar 2016.

Il-Ministru Vella qal li waqt din il-laqgħa, ntlaħaq ftehim li l-Commonwealth tkompli

tassisti l-avvanz tal-valuri u l-prinċipji tal-Commonwealth, partikolarment biex jinbnew

stituzzjonijiet demokratiċi aktar b’saħħithom, fil-Maldives. F’isem il-Kapijiet tal-Gvern

tal-Commonwealth, CMAG se tkompli bl-impenn

li tappoġġa lill-Maldives bi spirtu pożittiv,

konsultattiv u li jħares ‘il quddiem.

Il-Ministru Vella jipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Grupp ta’ Azzjoni Ministerjali tal-Commonwealth f’Londra

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Going up from the Ministry’s entrance to the Minister's Office one comes to a statue on a pedestal, maybe giving it just a

fleeting look before continuing up the stairs. But what does this statue depict? Meet Aeneas of Troy and Rome ...

Aeneas, mythical hero of Troy and Rome, son of the goddess Aphrodite and Anchises. Aeneas

was a member of the royal line at Troy and cousin of Hector. He played a prominent part in

defending his city against the Greeks during the Trojan War, being second only to Hector in

ability. Homer implies that Aeneas did not like his subordinate position, and from that sug-

gestion arose a later tradition that Aeneas helped to betray Troy to the Greeks. The more

common version, however, made Aeneas the leader of the Trojan survivors after Troy was

taken by the Greeks. In any case, Aeneas survived the war, and his figure was thus available to

compilers of Roman myth.

The association of Homeric heroes with Italy and Sicily goes back to the 8th century BCE -

when Homer’s epic poems likely became written texts—and the Greek colonies founded there

in that and the next century frequently claimed descent from leaders in the Trojan War. Leg-

end connected Aeneas, too, with certain places and families, especially in the region of

Latium. As Rome expanded over Italy and the Mediterranean, its patriotic writers began to

construct a mythical tradition that would at once dignify their land with antiquity and satisfy a

latent dislike of Greek cultural superiority. The fact that Aeneas, as a Trojan, represented an

enemy of the Greeks and that tradition left him free after the war made him peculiarly fit for

the part assigned him—i.e., the founding of Roman greatness.

It was Virgil who, during the 1st century BCE, gave the various strands of legend related to

Aeneas the form they have possessed ever since. The family of Julius Caesar, and conse-

quently of Virgil’s patron Augustus, claimed descent from Aeneas, whose son Ascanius was

also called Iulus. Incorporating these different traditions, Virgil created his masterpiece, the

Aeneid, the Latin epic poem whose hero symbolized not only the course and aim of Roman

history but also the career and policy of Augustus himself. In the journeying of Aeneas from

Troy westward to Sicily, Carthage, and finally to the mouth of the Tiber in Italy, Virgil por-

trayed the qualities of persistence, self-denial, and obedience to the gods that, to the poet,

built Rome.

The Aeneid (written c. 29–19 BCE) tells in 12 books of the legendary foundation of Lavinium

(parent town of Alba Longa and of Rome) by Aeneas. When Troy fell to the Greeks, Virgil re-

counts, Aeneas, who had fought bravely to the last, was commanded by Hector in a vision to

flee and to found a great city overseas. Aeneas gathered his family and followers and took the

household gods (small images) of Troy, but, in the confusion of leaving the burning city, his

wife disappeared. Her ghost informed him that he was to go to a western land where the

Tiber River flowed. He then embarked upon his long voyage, touching at Thrace, Crete, and

Sicily and meeting with numerous adventures that culminated in shipwreck on the coast of

Africa near Carthage. There he was received by Dido, the widowed queen, to whom he told his

story. They fell in love, and he lingered there until he was sharply reminded by Mercury that

Rome was his goal. Guilty and wretched, he immediately abandoned Dido, who committed

suicide, and Aeneas sailed on until he finally reached the mouth of the Tiber. There he was

well received by Latinus, the king of the region, but other Italians, notably Latinus’s wife and Turnus, leader of the Rutuli, resented the

arrival of the Trojans and the projected marriage alliance between Aeneas and Lavinia, Latinus’s daughter. War broke out, but the Trojans

were successful and Turnus was killed. Aeneas then married Lavinia and founded Lavinium.

Aeneas’s character as portrayed by Virgil is not only that of a heroic warrior. In addition, he guides his life by obedience to divine com-

mand, to which he sacrifices his own natural inclinations. It is in this sense that the Latin epithet pius, so frequently applied to him in the

Aeneid, is to be understood.

The death of Aeneas is described by Dionysius of Halicarnassus. After he had fallen in battle against the Rutuli, his body could not be

found, and he was thereafter worshiped as a local god called, according to Livy, Juppiter indiges.

(William Scovil Anderson - Brittanica.com)

Aeneas Carrying Anchises from Troy

Photo: Martin Bonnici

Photo: Martin Bonnici

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Pierre Le Pautre, 1716

Tuileies Gardens, Paris

Federico Barocci, 1598

Galleria Borghese, Rome

ca. 520–510 BC,

Louvre, Paris

Statue from the 18 century

Schönbrunn Schloß, Austria

Aeneas, led by Hermes, carrying Anchises who carries the household gods, walking

with Ascanius, followed by Creusa: iconographic state four (Capitaline "Tabula Italica,"

after C3 BCE?)

- Th. Schreiber - Atlas of Classical Antiquities - London (1895), pp.176-179

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Promoting Malta ... Snippets from our Missions Abroad

Il-BELĠJU: L-Ambaxxatur ta’ Malta għar-Renju tal-Belġju l-E.T. kellu laqgħa mas-Segretarju

Ġenerali tad-Dipartiment għall-Affarijiet Barranin tal-Gvern Reġjonali Fjamming fil-Belġju is-

Sur Keon Verlaeckt, fil-bini Amministrattiv tal-Gvern Reġjonali tal-Fjammingi.

L-Ambaxxtur Azzopardi ddiskuta mas-Sur Verlaeckt il-possibbiltà ta’ aktar koperazzjoni bejn

il-Gvernijiet tar-Reġjun Fjamming u Malta, partikolarment fl-oqsma tal-Kummerċ, Turiżmu,

Edukazzjoni u Saħħa. Fil-laqgħa kien ikkonfermat li l-gvernijiet tar-Reġjun tal-Fjammingi kienu

ffirmaw ir-ratifikazzjoni tal-ftehim bejn Malta u l-Belġju dwr it-taxxa doppja.

Din il-laqgħa saret fuq stedina tal-Gvern Reġjonali tal-Fjammingi, wara laqgħa li kienet saret

f’Jannar 2016 bejn l-Ambaxxatur Malti u l-President Ministru tal-Gvern Reġjonali tal-

Fjammingi.

Fil-laqgħa kien hemm preżenti wkoll id-Deputat Ambaxxatur Ġenerali s-Sur Stefan Muscat u s

-Sur Gaston Pulinckx, l-uffiċċjal responsabbli mill-Ewropa tal-Lvant Ċentrali u Lvant Nofsani.

L-IŻRAEL: Il-Ħamis, 25 ta’ Frar, l-ambaxxatur Cecilia Attard-Pirotta ppreżentat il-

kredenzjali tagħha lill-President Reuven Rivlin, bħala t-tielet ambaxxatur

residenti fl-Iżrael. Waqt laqgħa privata wara ċ-ċerimonja, l-President tal-Istat tal-

Iżrael feraħ lill-ambaxxatur Attard-Pirotta għall-ħatra tagħha u awguralha kull

suċċess.

Waqt il-laqgħa kienu diskussa r-relazzjonijiet bilaterali bejn Malta u l-Iżrael; sa

mit-twaqqif tar-relazzjonijiet diplomatiċi bejn iż-żewġ pajjiżi 50 sena ilu, kien

hemm numru ta’ żjajjar fuq livell għoli bejn iż-żewġ naħat u wkoll it-tisħiħ fl-

oqsma kummerċjali u turistiċi. Waqt il-laqgħa kienu diskussa wkoll interessi

komuni dwar il-politika fil-Mediterran u wkoll sfidi komuni fir-reġjun.

GERMANY: The Trio programme for the EU council presidency for the period January 2016–June 2017 was presented and dis-

cussed at a seminar in Berlin organised by the European Movement of Germany (EBD) in January. The movement comprises 247

member organizations from all spheres of German society. It works very

closely with the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for

Education and Research as well as the representation of the European

Commission in Berlin.

The ambassadors of the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta explained their

countries’ approach to the programme in general and highlighted each

country’s specific priorities. Mr Bernd Hüttemann, the EBD’s secretary

general, introduced the speakers and moderated the discussion which

followed. The large audience included representatives from Federal and

State ministries, embassies, academic institutions, the media, political

parties and large firms.

KUWAJT: L-ambaxxatur tar-Republika ta’ Malta għall-Kuwait, is-Sur Patrick Cole kien mistienden jattendi t-2 Forum Dinji dwar Emergency

Telecommunications (GET-2016), organizzat mill-Unjin Internazzjonali tat-Telekomunikazzjoni (ITU). Għall-forum attendew madwar 500 parteċipant

minn madwar 90 pajjiż, fosthom ministri ta’ gvernijiet, regolaturi nazzjonali, akkademiċi ewlenin, organizazzjonijiet tal-Ġnus Maqgħuda,

Organizzazzjonijiet mhux Governattivi, Kapijiet Eżekuttivi ta’ kumpaniji privati u wkoll

esperti fil-qasam tal-ICT jew disaster management.

Il-forum ipprovda opportunitá għal policy makers u wkoll stakeholders biex jiddibattu

u wkoll jaddottaw strateġiji konkreti dwar kif tnaqqis effettiv ta’ riskju għal diżastri fil-

qasam u wkoll immaniġġjar b’sapport ta’ informazzjoni teknoloġika u ta’

komunikazzjoni jistgħu jikkontribwixxu biex jintlaħqu l-għanijiet ta’ żvilupp sostenibbli

u wkoll għall-implimentazzjoni tal-Ftehim ta’ Pariġi (Paris Agreement), addottat fil-

COP21 f’Diċembru li għadda. Ir-riżultati milħuqa fil-GET-2016 għandhom jipprovdu

gwida strateġika f’dan il-qasam għall-komunitá nazzjonali u internazzjonali u wkoll

għal organizazzjonijiet nazzjonali.

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L-OLANDA: Fis-26 ta’ Frar 2016, l-Ambaxxatur Joseph

Cole kien mistieden mir-Royal Netherlands Institute of

Southeast and Caribbean Studies fl-Universitá ta’ Leiden

biex jagħti preżentazzjoni bħala parti mill-kors dwar Pajjiżi

Żgħar u r-Relazzjonijiet Internazzjonali u bl-iskop li

jipprovdi lill-istudent kaz prattiku dwar il-politika barranija

ta’ pajjiż żgħir.

Fil-preżentazzjoni tiegħu l-Ambaxxatur Cole spjega dwar l

-impatt tal-politika barranija ta’ Malta matul is-snin

fosthom l-introduzzjoni tal-kunċett tal-Common Heritage

of Mankind li wassal biex jiġi stabillit l-UNCLOS u l-ligi

internazzjonali marittima u l-proposta li l-bidla fil-klima

għanda tkun fuq l-aġenda internazzjonali, specjalment tan

-Nazzjonijiet Maqgħuda li eventwalment wasslet għal qafas legali ġdid tal-Protokoll ta’ Kyoto u l-UNFCCC. L-Ambaxxatur Cole

semma wkoll mumenti storici meta Malta kella rwol importanti fil-politika internazzjonali, foshtom is-Summit ta’ Bush u

Gorbachov, iż-żewġ laqgħat taċ-CHOGM, il-Valletta Summit dwar l-Immigrazzjoni u l-ħidma umanitarja ta’ Malta matul il-kunflitt

fil-Libya. Punti importanti oħrajn msemmija kienu dawk tal-effett tas-Sħubija ta’ Malta fl-Unjoni Ewropea, l-politika barranija u r-

rwol tal-pajjizi ż-żghar fil-politika internazzjonali u fora multilaterali. Wara l-preżentazzjoni l-Ambaxxatur Cole u l-istudenti kellom

taħdita dwar il-ġrajjiet kurrenti fosthom il-Kriżi tal-Immigrazzjoni u l-integrazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

UNITED STATES OF AMERCIA: On the 3rd of February 2016 Mr. Pierre

Clive Agius was received by Mrs. Haether Higginbottom, US Deputy Sec-

retary of State in Washington D.C. During the meeting Mr. Pierre Clive

Agius presented the copies d’usages of the Letters of Credentials, appoint-

ing him as the Ambassador of Malta to the United States of America. Am-

bassador Agius was accompanied by Dr. Patricia Borg, Deputy Chief of

Mission at the Embassy of Malta in Washington. During the meeting sev-

eral issues of common interest were discussed.

Mr. Pierre Clive Agius is a career diplomat, having served abroad in sev-

eral missions both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

KANBERRA: Il-Canberra Multicultural Festival kien organizzat bejn it-12 u l-14 ta’ Frar 2016. Malta kellha stand flimkien ma’ 24 stati membri tal-

Unjoni Ewropea. L-istand kien jagħmel parti mill-Village tal-Unjoni Ewropea li din is-sena kien jinsab f’post mill-aktar prominent fil-qalba tal-belt

kapitali.

Il-Villagg UE jien inawgurat mill-Ministru tal-Affarijiet Multikulturali Yvette

Berry li f’ċerimonja qasira qatgħet iż-żigarella fil-bidu ta’ jum li ra eluf ta’

nies minn kull parti tal-Awstralja jżuru l-istands tal-pajjiżi rappreżentati. Il-

Ministru Berry kienet akkumpanjata mill-Ambaxxatur Sem Fabrizi, Kap tad-

Delegazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea, u minn Ambaxxaturi oħra tal-pajjiżi

membri tal-UE, fosthom il-Kummissarju Għoli Malti Charles Muscat. Iċ-

ċerimonja laħqet il-qofol tagħha bil-kant tal-innu tal-UE Ode to Joy.

Il-Ministru Berry żaret l-istands ta’ kull pajjiż. Il-Kummissarju Għoli Malti

Charles Muscat, flimkien mad-Deputat Kummissarju Dr Joseph Pirotta

laqgħu lill-Ministru Berry fl-istand Malti.

Skond statistika uffiċjali, fil-Festival Multikulturali ta’ din is-sena ntużaw

aktar minn 7.5 kilometru ta’ bnadar żgħar, u kien hemm 400 stand

jirrapreżentaw 170 nazzjonalitá differenti. Hadu sehem ukoll 350 grupp artistiku li bejniethom kellhom 2500 parteċipant.

Huwa stmat li din is-sena l-Festival ġibed folla rekord ta’ 280,000 ruħ, 10,000 aktar mis-sena li għaddiet.

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GENEVA: On Tuesday 9th February 2016, Mr Olaph Terribile presented his credentials as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other

International Organisations in Geneva to H.E Mr. Michael Moller, the Director General of the United Nations Offices in Geneva.

The Director General welcomed Ambassador Terribile and augured well for his new assignment in Geneva. The United Nations Director General highlighted the work

of the United Nations Offices and its relevance to the International Community. He also

made reference to the increased momentum generated by the adoption of the new Sus-

tainable Development Goals in New York and how these are affecting every aspect of the

UN’s work in Geneva. Reference was also made to the importance Geneva played in the

resolution of several of the world’s conflicts. The Director General augured for Malta’s

continued support to push forward the debate on several important themes for the interna-

tional community.

While thanking the Director General, Ambassador Terribile recognised the important work

carried out by the United Nations Offices in Geneva and also made special reference to

Malta’s upcoming Presidency of the European Union. Ambassador Terribile underlined that

he will be aiming to strengthen Malta’s relations with the United Nations Offices and all of

its agencies and assured the United Nations Director General of Malta’s cooperation and

support.

Ambassador Terribile was accompanied by Mr Mark Ciscaldi, First Secretary at the Perma-

nent Representation of Malta in Geneva.

A career diplomat, Ambassador Terribile has served in the People’s Republic of China, the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Ambassador Terribile also served as Director of Protocol and Consular Services for a number of years and held

several different posts at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. He is also a lecturer at the DiploFoundation and a visiting lecturer at the Mediterranean Academy for Medi-

terranean Studies, University of Malta. Mr Terribile is married to Mary nee Mercieca and has three children.

TURKIJA: Il-Konslu Ġenerali ta’ Malta f’Istanbul, is-Sur Franklin Aquilina, għamel żjara ta’ Kortesija lis-Sindku tal-Muniċipalitá ta’ Beyoğlu,

f’Istanbul, l-E.T. Ahmet Misbah Demircan. Is-Sur Aquilina kien milquh mis-Sindku Demircan, li min naħa tiegħu, faħħar ir-relazzjonijiet eċċelelnti u

l-kooperazzjoni bejn il-Muniċipalitá ta’ Beyoğlu u l-Konsolat Ġenerali ta’

Malta f’Istanbul.

Il-Konslu Ġenerali nnota l-interess li l-Muniċipalitá dejjem uritet f’Malta, kif

ukoll l-attivitajiet kulturali li l-Konsolat organizza tul is-snin biex

jippromwovi isem Malta mall-pubbliku Tork. Il-parti l-kbira ta’ dawn l-

attivitajiet saru fil-konfini tal-Muniċipalitá nniffisha. Is-Sur Aquilina fakkar li

ż-żjara li s-Sindku Demircan għamel f’Malta, riċentement, hija xhieda li

Demrican iħares lejn Malta b’mod għal kollox pożittiv. Huwa żar Malta fl-

2014 bħala mistieden tal-Assoċjazzjoni tal-Lukandiera w Ristoranti Maltin

(NHRA) u kien il-kelliem ewlieni fil-Konferenza organizzata minn din l-

assocjazzjoni, f’Novembru 2014.

Fost is-suggetti li ġew diskussa waqt il-laqgha bejn is-Sindku u l-Konslu

Ġenerali, kien hemm il-potenzjal qawwi li jeżisti fil-qasam turistiku bejn iż-

żewg naħat u l-ftehim ta’ Ġemellagg, li għadu pendenti, bejn il-Muniċipalitá

u t-tlett ibliet tal-Kottonera. Is-Sindku Demrican, għal darb’oħra stieden

artisti Maltin biex jipparteċipaw fis-7th Intercultural Art Dialogues Festival li

se jsir bejn il-31 ta’ Mejju u l-4 ta’ Gunju 2016. Dan l-avventiment huwa mtella’ mill-Muniċipalitá ta’ Beyoğlu.

Is-Sindku Demrican awgura lill-Konsolat Ġenerali Malti f’ħidmietu, biex ipoġġi lil Malta aktar fid-deher, mhux biss f’Istanbul iżda madwar it-Turkija.

INDIA: H.E. Mr Stephen Borg, Malta’s new High Commissioner to India, presented

his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, President of the

Republic of India during a presentation ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on

Wednesday 3 February 2016. Mr. Stephen Borg was accompanied by Ms Alberta

Borg. First Secretary.

Following the presentation ceremony, President Mukherjee received High Com-

missioner Borg for a private meeting during which he referred to the growing

relations between the two countries in various fields and the active role played by

Malta on the international stage particularly by hosting the Valletta Summit and

the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November 2015. On his

part, High Commissioner Borg conveyed the warm greetings from the President

of the Republic of Malta and her wishes for an ever-stronger relationship between

the two peoples. Malta’s efforts to advance peace and prosperity in its neighbour-

hood, the work with the members of the Commonwealth and priorities for Malta’s

upcoming EU Presidency were also raised. Moreover the High Commissioner referred to the importance of strengthening contacts to advance the

bilateral relations in a number of key fields. The President extended his best wishes to High Commissioner Borg on his assignment.

PALESTINA: Nhar it-Tlieta 2 ta’ Frar u l-Erbgħa 3 ta’ Frar 2016, ir-Rappreżentant tar-Repubblika ta’ Malta f’ Ramallah, il-Palestina,

s-Sur Reuben Gauci, żar lil Dott Hanan Ashrawi u Dott Saeb Erekat, membri tal-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tal-PLO fl-uffiċċji rispettivi

tagħhom.

L-Organizzazzjoni għall-Ħelsien tal-Palestina (PLO) twaqqfet fl-1964 u serviet bħala ħolqa tal-moviment nazzjonali Palestinjan. L-

Awtorita’ Palestinjana, li twaqqfet wara l-Ftehim ta’ Oslo fl-1994, kienet frott ta’ Ftehim bejn il-PLO u l-Gvern tal-Istat ta’ Israel.

Illum il-PLO topera fi ħdan l-Awtorita’ Palestinjana bil-President tal-Palestina, l-E.T. Mahmoud Abbas, bħala ċ-Chairperson tagħha.

Matul dawn il-laqgħat separati, r-Rappreżentant Malti ngħata informazzjoni dwar l-aħħar żviluppi politiċi fil-Palestina u fir-Reġjun.

Iż-żewġ dinjitarji Palestinjani esprimew il-gratitudni tagħhom lejn il-Gvern Malti għas-sostenn kontinwu u konsistenti għall-

ħarsien tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem fil-Palestina u għas-sostenn tal-Palestina fil-fora tal-Ġnus Maqgħuda partikolarment għar-rwol

ta’ Rapporteur fil-Kumitat għall-Eżerċizzju Inalejnabbli tad-Drittijiet tal-Poplu Palestinjan sa mill-1975.

Min-naħa tiegħu s-Sur Gauci afferma r-rabtiet storiċi bejn Malta u l-Palestina u spjega lil Dott Ashrawi u Dott Erekat il-pjani tal-

Uffiċċju Rappreżentattiv biex jorganizza inizzjattivi biex jiġi promoss l-iskambju kulturali bejn Malta u l-Palestina skambju li

jkompli jsaħħaħ l-presenza ta’ Malta.

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Fil-klima tagħna Frar huwa xahar kiesaħ u xitwi. Ħafna qwiel jirriflettu dan: “Frar fawwar

jimla l-bjar” u “Frar fawwar kull xitla nwar” u "Frar fawwar, il-bidwi għana d-dar”.

Madankollu Frar jaf ma jagħmilx xita: ‘Frar daqqa fawwar u daqqa qattar’ jew tagħmel

iżżejjed ‘ Meta Frar ikun ħafna fawwar, il-biedja tmur fl-ibjar’.

U barra x-xita u l-maltemp ikun għadu jagħmel il-ksieħ: ‘Fi Frar kull laqxa ttella nwar’, ‘Frar

jiġbor lil kulħadd id-dar’ u Frar jgħakkes ix-xjuħ u ż-żgħar’.

F’dan iż-żmien tas-sena, il-kampanja tkun mimlija ħdura u kkulurita wkoll, bl-isfar tal-

ingliża u l-lellux fost l-iktar li jispikka.

Bħax-xhur l-oħra Frar għandu l-festi tiegħu. Fost dawn insibu l-Gandlora li ssir fi 2 tax-

xahar li hija l-festa tal-preżentazzjoni ta’ Ġesù u tal-Purifikazzjoni tal-Madonna. Fiha wkoll

jitbierku x-xemgħat li jintużaw matul is-sena. Lill-fidili jagħtuhom ukoll biċċa xemgħa

żgħira li dari kienu jdendluha mal-ħajt id-dar u jixegħluha waqt xi maltempata jew xi

griżma tal-morda. Kien maħsub li l-kwiekeb ma jibqgħux jidhru ċari u kienu jgħidu ‘Mal-

gandlora, stilel fora, l-ajru jtella’ imma jiċċora’.

Illustrazzjoni ta’ Frar minn “Très riches heures du Duc de Berry”

Qwiel u Tradizzjonijiet Maltin marbutin ma' Frar

which, the plight of refugees was

discussed.

More details of the major events

inside.

Now without looking at the

pages indicated, can you pin

point the picture on the left’s

connection with our Ministry?

Look closely. If you still haven’t

got it, go to the pages indicated

and read all about it.

As usual, pages are dedicated to

highlight our missions’ abroad

work during this month.

Obviously, as I always say, this is

just a hint.

Go to the official ministry web

Another month has gone by. It

may be the shortest month of

the year but at the Ministry for

Foreign Affairs we are never

short of events, meetings and

what not.

Minister George W. Vella this

month visited Kosovo, a first for

a Maltese Foreign Minister to

that country.

Read about this in this issue.

Minister Vella also accompanied

The President of Malta on a State

visit to Albania. More details

inside.

Minister Vella also attended the

monthly FAC (Foreign Affairs

Committee) meeting during

page, under Representations

Abroad and you will find all the

press releases issued by our

missions abroad.

This month, two new ambassa-

dors presented their creden-

tials—Cecilia Attard Pirotta, our

new ambassador in Israel and

Olaph Terribile our new ambas-

sador in Geneva.

All those interested to contrib-

ute, please do. Send your opin-

ion, article - etienne.st-

john@gov.mt.

Etienne St. John

Communications Coordinator

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Editor’s note

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Palazzo Parisio

Merchants Street,

Valletta VLT1170

Phone: +356 2124 2191

Web: foreignaffairs.gov.mt

Twitter: @MFAMalta

E-mail: info.mfa@gov.mt

What is the connection of

the picture with the Minis-

try for Foreign Affairs? Page

8-9 ...

Organization

T h e B r i d g e