The Bridge

Il-Pont

Issue 6 February 2015

MED 7 MEETING IN PARIS DISCUSSES CRISES IN LIBYA AND SYRIA AND MIGRATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George Minister Vella thanked his French coun- February Review: W. Vella was in Paris in February to par- terpart for convening the meeting at a

ticipate in a meeting of the Med 7 time when the tension in the region is  DIGITAL DIPLOMACY DAY group that apart from Malta is com- escalating to very worrying levels. The  MINISTER VELLA ATTENDS posed of France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, fact that the Ministers were meeting in FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL Spain and Portugal. The Meeting was Paris, in the aftermath of the January at- convened to discuss unfolding develop- tacks is also very significant in itself, Min-  MINISTER VELLA MEETS SMOM IN ROME ments in the region, in particular the ister Vella said. crises in Libya and Syria as well other In addressing the Meeting, Minister Vella  MINISTER VELLA MEETS pressing priorities concerning youth ITALIAN COUNTERPART GENTI- elaborated on the situation in Libya, LONI employment, migration in the Mediter- which he described as an increasing ranean as well as environmental chal- growth threat to security and stability in  MINISTER VELLA ATTENDS lenges in the regions. MED 7 PARIS MEETING Europe. He welcomed the fact that the

The EU’s High Representative and Vice matter was brought to the UN Security  TALKS WITH RT. HON. PHILIP President of the Commission Federica Council following a further deterioration HAMMOND Mogherini was also present for the of events during the week and reiterated talks. Malta’s support to the reconciliation ef-

Contents:

VISIT BY RT. HON. PHILIP 2 HAMMOND

FAC DISCUSSIONS ON 3

LIBYA

MINISTER VELLA MEETS 4

ITALIAN COUNTERPART

MEETING WITH SMOM 5

DIGITAL DIPLOMACY DAY 6

INTERVIEW BY COMMER- 10 CIAL COURIER

PEOPLE 11 Il-Pont

(cont from Page 1) - Med 7 meeting in Paris

forts being made by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr Ber- nardino Leon. “The evident rise of Minister Vella stated that the evident rise of extremist and terrorist entities in Libya is extremist and terror- a very alarming factor that needs to be addressed. He also highlighted the impor- ist entities in Libya is tance of keeping the migration issue firmly in sight and called for EU solidarity in this a very alarming fac- respect adding that prevailing instability in Libya will result in increased influxes of tor that needs to be migrants in the coming months.

addressed” As a response to growing inter-cultural and inter-faith tensions in the Mediterranean region and beyond, Minister Vella stated that Malta actively supports deeper engage- ment with important regional partners such as the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Every opportunity and existing mechanism should be availed of to spread a culture of tolerance in Europe’s neighbourhood.

VISIT TO MALTA BY THE RT. HON. PHILIP HAMMOND, UK SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

The Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was in Malta in February and held official talks with Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat, who was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Mr. Louis Grech and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. George W. Vella.

Following the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary Hammond held further talks with Foreign Minister Dr George W. Vella at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. They discussed the excellent bilateral relations that Malta and the United Kingdom enjoyed on the political level and in the areas of health, education, trade and investment amongst others. Dr George Vella informed the Rt. Hon. Hammond about the preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that will be held in Malta in November 2015.

Minister Vella and the Rt. Hon. Hammond discussed at length current affairs, namely the unrest in Ukraine, the troubling situation in Libya and illegal immigration in the Mediterranean. They agreed that in times like this, EU Member States have to continue working closely together to identify solutions and ways forward that bring peace and stability in the EUs immediate neighbourhood.

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FOREIGN MINISTERS DISCUSS ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS IN LIBYA AND EU SUPPORT FOR EFFORTS TO RESOLVE CRISIS

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, participated in the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where Ministers discussed the situation in Libya, the recent de- velopments in Yemen, and terrorism. Ministers were also debriefed on the latest “Minister Vella efforts by Germany and France to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine and the possible called for in- convening of a quadripartite summit on Wednesday 11th February in Minsk. Minis- creased sup- ters also formally approved additional listings of individuals and entities to be sub- ject to EU restrictive measures, while reiterating the importance of maintaining a port for the united EU policy on sanctions. The Council also took note of the Joint Communica- latest efforts of tion to the European Parliament and Council entitled "Elements for an EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat", published by the European Bernardino Commission and European External Action Service on 6 February. This is the first EU Leon, United comprehensive strategy on tackling the crises in Syria and Iraq and the threat posed Nations Secre- by ISIL/Da'ish. tary General Minister Vella called for increased support for the latest efforts of Bernardino Leon, Special Repre- United Nations Secretary General Special Representative as he prepares for next round of talks in Libya, especially by way of increasing EU outreach to all relevant sentative as he Libyan parties, neighbouring countries and regional actors. Minister Vella referred prepares for to the ongoing process as the last chance to bring the transition of Libya back on next round of track and ensure that it does not become a failed state. He also referred to the re- cent attack on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli which is a proof that the ongoing insta- talks in Libya.” bility is providing fertile ground for extremist groups and urged the EU to com- mence a counter-terrorism dialogue with Libya's neighbours. Minister Vella warned that the disintegration of Libya will have huge repercussions for the immediate re- gion and will represent a threat to the whole of the EU.

Ministers expressed grave concern about the latest developments in Yemen, calling on all political forces to take clear responsibility for their actions and the immediate release of the President, Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet. Ministers re- called that only a broad political consensus amongst the main political groups, set- ting a clear path towards a Constitutional referendum and elections, can provide a sustainable solution to the current crisis. “Minister Vella warned that the Ministers called for comprehensive action against terrorism in line with the 2005 EU disintegration of Strategy and decided to step up its external action on countering terrorism, com- Libya will have plementing actions taken in the context of justice and home affairs by external en- gagement and outreach, especially to countries in the Middle East, North Africa, the huge repercussions Sahel and the Gulf.. The Council agreed to review progress in implementation at its for the immediate next meetings, also in view of the upcoming European Council. region and will represent a threat Minister Vella also attended a meeting of the Group of the Friends of Lebanon, to the whole of the which preceded the Foreign Affairs Council. The discussion with Gebran Bassil, the EU”. Foreign Minister of Lebanon, largely focused on the challenges being faced due to the Syrian crisis as well as the support being provided by the EU to the host com- munities and in the field of counter-terrorism, as well as the importance of pursuing political and economic reforms.

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DEVELOPMENTS IN LIBYA DISCUSSED BETWEEN MINISTER GEORGE W. VELLA AND MINISTER PAOLO GENTILONI

Both ministers agreed In February Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, had a meeting with his that the situation Italian counterpart, Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Rome. The ministers discussed the recent developments in Libya and the different scenarios that could develop in the needed constant prevailing circumstances. The phenomenon of the spread of ISIS jihadists as well as monitoring and the issue of migration featured high on the list of topics discussed. Both ministers agreed that the situation needed constant monitoring and expressed the hope that expressed the hope the efforts of the UN special envoy Bernardino Leon would lead to all relevant fac- that the efforts of the tions in Libya coming together to achieve continual peace stability and security under the leadership of a national unity government. UN special envoy

Bernardino Leon The ministers also expressed the hope that the ongoing would lead to all discussions at the UN Secu- relevant factions in rity Council would succeed to sensitise world opinion Libya coming on the situation in Libya. together to achieve Ministers Vella and Gentiloni continual peace agreed to keep constant stability and security contact and strive together to raise more awareness of under the leadership the Libyan problem within of a national unity the European Union.

government. The message being that be- sides the problem of Ukraine the EU has also an equally serious problem to tackle which is Libya.

“The message being that besides the problem of Ukraine the EU has also an equally serious prob- lem to tackle which is Libya”.

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IL-MINISTRU GEORGE W. VELLA F’LAQGĦA MAL-OGĦLA AWTORITAJIET TAL-ORDNI MILITARI SOVRANA TA’ SAN GWANN, ĠERUSALEM, RODI U MALTA

Meta fi Frar kien fuq żjara f'Ruma, l-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, Dr George W. Vella, kellu laqgħa uffiċjali mal-ogħla awtoritajiet tal-Ordni Militari Sovrana ta’ San Gwann, ta' Ġerusalem, ta' Rodi u ta' Malta, mmexxija mill-Gran Kanċillier Albrecht von Boesslager. Il-laqgħa saret fil- kwartieri tal-Ordni f’Aventino.

Matul il-laqgħa ġew diskussi r-relazzjonijiet bejn Malta u l-Ordni. Fost il-punti prinċipali ġew Il-Ministru Vella diskussi ż-żjara statali li se jagħmel il-Gran Mastru f'Malta f’April u l-kommemorazzjoni ta’ żewġ saħaq li l-Gvern avvenimenti tar-rabta bejn l-Ordni u Malta, l-miġja tal-Kavalieri u l- kommemorazzjoni tal- Assedju l-Kbir. L-iktar punt importanti tad-diskussjoni kien dwar il-Ftehim ta' Koperazzjoni li Malti jixtieq jara jrid jiġi milħuq bejn l-Ordni u l-Gvern Malti dwar it-tmexxija tal-Forti Sant Anġlu. Il-Ministru l-Forti Vella saħaq li l-Gvern Malti jixtieq jara l-Forti Sant'Anġlu kif inhu issa restawrat, jiġi wżat iktar Sant'Anġlu kif għal skop turistiku, kulturali u anke bħala post ta’ esibizzjonjiet u kungressi, speċjalment relatati mal-istorja tal-Ordni ta' San Gwann. inhu issa restawrat, jiġi Waqt id-disskussjoniet ġiet espressa wkoll ix-xewqa li l-Ordni tinvolvi ruħha aktar fil-qasam wżat iktar għal umanitarju b'mod speċjali fejn jidħlu l-immigranti rregolari. Id-diskussjonijiet kienu kordjali ħafna u kien hemm il-qbil li delegazzjoni min-naħa tal-Ordni fil-futur qrib iżżur Malta ħalli jiġu skop turistiku, finalizzati d-dettalji u wkoll biex jippreparaw għaż-żjara statali tal-Gran Mastru. Il-Ministru għall kulturali u anke -Affarijiet Barranin, filwaqt li rringrazzja lill-Gran Kanċillier għall-mod pożittiv li bih laqa’ s- bħala post ta’ suġġerimenti tan-naħa tal-Gvern Malti, wiegħed l-appoġġ tal-gvern għat-tisħiħ tar- relazzjonijiet bejn l-Ordni u Malta, filwaqt li wera x-xewqa li l-Ordni ta’ San Ġwann tkun iktar esibizzjonjiet u viżibli f’pajjiżna permezz ta’ attivitajiet li mistennija torganizza. kungressi, speċjalment Il-Gran Kancillier von Boesslager kien megħjun fid-diskussjoni mill-Ambaxxatur Umberto di relatati mal- Capua u mill-Balliju Fra John Critien, li kien qiegħed Ruma għall-okkażjoni. Il-Ministru Vella kien akkumpanjat mill-Ambaxxatur il-Prof Buttigieg, rapprezentanti tal-Ministeru għall- istorja tal-Ordni Affarijiet Barranin u wkoll rappreżentat ta’ Heritage Malta. ta' San Gwann.

4 ta’ Frar 2015 : Żjara uffiċjali fil-Ġermanja mal-Prim Ministru għal taħdidiet mall-Kanċillier Ġermaniż Angela Merkel

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Digital Diplomacy Day 2015

“I am truly encouraged by the world-wide recognition over these years by the valuable and efficient role which the DIPLO Foundation has been playing over these years. Its achievements in capacity-building in the field of diplomacy are remarkable and highly commendable”, stated the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. George W. Vella when delivering his keynote speech at the opening of the Digital Diplomacy Day 2015 – “Diplomacy between innovation and tradition”, held at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Valletta on the 2nd February.

Addressing those present, including the participants who in the coming days and months will be following the Masters/Post Graduate Diploma course, Minister Vella spoke about the uniqueness of the DIPLO course, as it brings together traditional and modern methods of human resource development. In this regard, DIPLO has succeeded to use the modern medium of on-line information and communication technologies and the expertise of active and retired diplomats and academics. “This critical combination has created a synergy of real skill development, effective learning and knowledge in the practice of diplomacy”, continued Dr. Vella.

Established 12 years ago as a joint undertaking between Malta and Switzerland, DIPLO Foundation is a non-profit organisation and its vocation is to assist all countries, particularly small States and those with limited human resources, in representing and promoting the interests of their own countries. More importantly, such courses provide on-the-job training and in-situ training, an innovative way which allows these countries to participate meaningfully in multilateral fora and activities through the most effective use of ICT tools including Webinars.

DIPLO now counts over 290 alumni from these programmes, most of them diplomats, coming from all parts of the globe. With more than 3000 alumni from 189 countries, DIPLO has managed to build along the years an impressive infrastructure and methodology for online diplomatic training, with no less than 500 diplomats and officials from nearly all small island States worldwide who have participated in online courses.

Minister Vella also said that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has decided to inject a substantial increase in the funding for the Foundation’s activities and Programmes for 2015.

The Digital Diplomacy Day is organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and DIPLO Foundation on the occasion of the start of the 2015 Master in Contemporary Diplomacy. The

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Foundation has received wide recognition for its work, including consultative status with the United Nations, the World E-democracy award 2009 and the hosting of the 2010 annual meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training.

The event was also addressed by Dr Jovan Kurbalija, the founding director of DIPLO Foundation and the Head of Geneva Internet Platform, who gave a presentation on “Emerging Digital Diplomacy”. Dr Kurbalija is a former diplomat with a professional and academic background in international law, diplomacy and information technology. In 1992 he established the Unit for IT and Diplomacy at the Mediterranean

”I am truly Academy of Diplomatic studies in Malta, and after 10years of success the unit evolved into the DIPLO encouraged by Foundation. Dr. Kurbalija currently directs online the world-wide learning courses on ICT and diplomacy and lectures in academic and training institutions in Switzerland, recognition the United States, Austria, Belgium, the United over these Kingdom, the Netherlands and Malta. years by the valuable and efficient role which the DIPLO Foundation has been playing over these years. Its achievements in capacity- building in the field of diplomacy are remarkable and highly commendable” - Minister Vella

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Official visit of the President of the Republic of Malta to the Republic of Slovenia 24th February 2015

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Also in February ...

On the 6th of February Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. George W. Vella signed the Book of Condolences for Former German President, Richard von Weizsaecker, at the German Ambassador’s Residence, Ħal-Lija.

On the 15th February the Government of Malta strongly condemned the two deadly attacks that took place in Copenhagen. In his reaction to the events, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella extended his support to the Danish Government and underlined Malta's solidarity with the people of Denmark during the difficult moments.

He stated that the nature of the attacks came as a further shocking development on European territory and constituted a threat against all those who embrace freedom and tolerance.

Minister Vella reiterated that the Government of Malta categorically condemns all acts of terror irrespective of who the perpetrators are. He added that the international community should look beyond these heinous acts and continue to work towards closer inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. This, he added, is the most effective and unequivocal response that the global community could give to those behind the attacks.

On the 24th February the Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that following a number of discussions between Malta and the United Arab Emirates for a number of months, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is pleased to an- nounce that the two countries have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding through which driving licences held by citizens of the two countries will be recognised by the respective competent authorities. This Memorandum of Understanding relates to holders who are in possession of a Category B driving licence, equivalent to motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3500 kg and designed and con- structed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. Furthermore, motor vehicles in this category may be combined with a trailer having a maximum authorised mass which does not exceed 750 kg. Moreover, the Memorandum stipulates that citizens of the two states shall be ex- empted from taking theoretical and/or practical driving exams when applying for the national driving licence/ permit in the country of temporary residence. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is pleased to note that while this Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be signed, the authorities of the United Arab Emirates have already activated this Memorandum with effect from 1 January 2015.

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Fi Frar ...

2 ta’ Frar 2015: L-Ambaxxatur ta’ Franza u l-Ambaxxatur tar-Russja jippreżentaw il- Copie d’Usage lill-

Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin Dr. George W. Vella qabel ma ppreżentaw il-kredenzjali tagħhom lill-

President tar-Repubblika.

Minister for Foreign Affairs interviewd by Journalist Sarah Micallef for “The Commerical Courier”. Read it here on Pages 30-36: Interview: Minister for Foreign Af- fairs by The Commercial Courier Feb- ruary/March 2015

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People

EU MEDAL FOR MALTESE DIPLOMATIC OFFICER SECONDED TO MISSION IN LIBYA

An officer of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has been presented with the EU’s Com- mon Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal for duties carried out with the

European Union Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya).

Mr. Anis Cassar, a diplomatic officer with the Minis-

try for Foreign Affairs, served on secondment with

EUBAM Libya for almost nine months in 2014. This

is the first time that a Maltese civilian (non-military “This is the first

or police) has been presented with the CSDP Ser- time that a Mal- vice Medal. The secondment of Mr. Cassar with tese civilian (non- military or police) EUBAM Libya had been made in order to demon- has been pre- strate Malta’s exceptionally strong commitment to sented with the the country CSDP Service EUBAM Libya is mandated with training Libyan bor- Medal” der management agencies and personnel. The Mission has been fraught with chal- lenges resulting from the deteriorating security environment in the country which have impinged on its ability to effectively carry out its mandate and eventually led to its temporary relocation to Tunis in August 2014, and a downsizing of its personnel.

Despite the challenges, Malta has consistently been a strong supporter of EUBAM Libya from its very inception in recognition of the fact that Libya’s border security is a necessary prerequisite to state-building, as well as security in the wider Mediterra- nean region. Two officers from the Armed Forces of Malta remain deployed with the Mission in Tunis, providing remote maritime support and training to Libya’s Naval Coast Guard and Navy.

On the 13th February the the Malta Government again reiterated its travel advice issued in August 2014, against all forms of travel to Libya. Furthermore, the Malta Government again strongly advised all Maltese nationals in Libya to leave the country. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs advised that those in need of further information should contact the following numbers:

MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS; Palazzo Parisio, Merchants' Street, Valletta, MALTA Tel: +356 2204 2200

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T h e B r i d g e

Ministry for Foreign Affairs Palazzo Parisio Merchants Street, Valletta VLT1170

Phone: +356 22042369 E-mail: [email protected] web: www,foreignaffairs.gov.mt

Editor’s note

It is my pleasure to take ownership tese and English. I invite you to go Maltese Islands or living in an of this monthly publication “The visit; it’s not only a good source of adoptive country. Bridge” or “Il-Pont”. information about the Ministry for This is your newsletter as much as Foreign Affairs but you will also Time flies! It is now just past five it is the ministry’s. Any comments find other news as well. From the months since I took over from and suggestions are more than coming issue we will also have the Maria Muscat as the Ministry for welcome whilst articles sent will regular contributions by the Em- Foreign Affairs’ Communications also be considered for publication. bassies, Consulates and other rep- Coordinator. Maria kept the same resentations abroad. Please send your contributions and role but with the President of the any suggestions on the email pro- Republic. I started looking at this publication, vided on this page. The Bridge, a couple of weeks back As soon as I had settled in, to- and started working on it, resulting Hope you enjoy this edition as gether with a team formed by the in this edition. much as I enjoyed compiling it for ministry’s IT Department and also you! the ministry’s secretariat, I updated This is the 6th edition, following the Ministry’s website the previous 5 and I thought of Etienne St. John

Phoenician Cippus at (www.foreignaffaris.gov.mt), which changing the layout and format. Communications Coordinator Ministry for Foreign now reflects the government’s Hope you enjoy! Ministry for Foreign Affairs Affairs, Malta. (read more: corporate image. It is a pleasure to As the title implies, this newsletter http://en.wikipedia.org/ note that this ministry’s website is is a bridge, a pont, a link between wiki/Cippi_of_Melqart) one of the few bilingual websites the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and giving all information in both Mal- the reader, whether living in the