PM Robert Abela addresses Democracy Summit

In a virtual address to the Summit for Democracy organised on the initiative of the USA, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that democratic values are and would remain central to the Maltese Government’s policy.

He said that the Summit for Democracy was being held at the right time to send a collective and unequivocal message supporting Ukraine and the country’s right to peace, freedom, and democracy

In his speech to the leaders of several countries and representatives from civil society and the private sector Dr Abela spoke about how Malta strengthened various sectors to reach the established goals and address new challenges.

He said that the Government had fought money laundering and corruption by implementing the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF He said that in June last year, the FATF recognised the progress made by the country leading to Malta’s removal from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring. He stated that another priority was reinforcing Media as one of the main pillars of democracy.

The Prime Minister mentioned that a Committee of Experts on the media was established to analyse the journalistic and media sector and give feedback on legislative instruments proposed by the Government to Parliament to afford the highest level of protection to journalists in Malta He said he was committed to strengthening this sector and, as part of Malta’s commitment, would introduce Anti-SLAPP provisions, increase penalties for crimes against journalists, and address libel cases against deceased journalists

He pointed out that the Government was improving access to justice and information by implementing the digitalisation strategy of the Courts, adding that Maltese society could not reach its full potential without addressing the obstacles individuals face due to their gender.

He said that the Government was determined to continue building on the progress made and referred to more reforms.

He said that last year a strategy and action plan on equality and gender mainstreaming was launched aimed at identifying and overcoming difficulties, prejudices and stereotypes to strengthen gender perspectives at different levels of decision-making

He wrapped up his address by saying that Malta is proud to be part of the Summit for Democracy process and believes that collective action is crucial for its future

30 years of strong bilateral relations with Armenia

During a bilateral meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, in Malta, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, said that since 1993, bilateral relations with Armenia have been excellent, but they need to continue to intensify them

During the meeting, several subjects were discussed in which, through practical cooperation, the two countries and their respective people can truly benefit Minister Borg stated that despite the existing challenges Malta is committed to assisting and facilitating the possibility of doing more business between the two countries,

He further stated that both countries would be exploring the possibility of further cooperation in the sectors of information technology, solar energy, education, and English teaching.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, expressed thanks for the hospitality he received in Malta and stressed that it was an honour for him as the first Armenian Foreign Minister to visit the country to take part in official bilateral discussions

He officially invited Minister Ian Borg to visit Armenia, where discussions can be further extended. He looks forward to building and strengthening what is already there