French Foreign Affairs Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, as well as attending the 5+5 meeting, also met his Maltese counterpart Michael Frendo to discuss bilateral issues.
At a press conference held yesterday morning, Mr Douste-Blazy said he and Minister Frendo had discussed an important dossier dealing with maritime security and he praised Malta’s efforts in this sector.
The French minister also spoke of the important cultural exchanges between Malta and France. “Culture is a way for us to get to know each other,” he said.
Mr Douste-Blazy said he gladly attended a very fruitful 5+5 meeting where the main issues discussed were poverty and terrorism. He expressed his gratitude that these topics had been discussed in a tranquil atmosphere.
The minister began his political career as the mayor of Lourdes and is aware of the affection the Maltese people have for this place. He mentioned that he had helped to organise pilgrimages to Lourdes, together with the Order of St John, and was eventually knighted within the order.
Dr Frendo explained that his talks with Mr Douste-Blazy included discussions on their view of Europe and how this can be carried forward into the future.
Questioned on the issue of the ratification of the EU Constitutional treaty, Mr Douste-Blazy said he applauded the Maltese government for calling for a decision in a parliamentary sitting instead of a referendum. “This shows that the government knew how to explain the matter to the people,” he said.
“In this matter, countries must make their own decision, independent of all the other member states,” he added. The French minister also praised French President Jacques Chirac’s suggestion to ask for the issue to be re-discussed in the first six months of 2006.
Europe is to become a powerful political bloc, not just a free trade area, the minister continued.
Mr Douste-Blazy also spoke of the financial crisis that could hit eastern Europe as a result of no agreement being reached on the EU budget for 2007-2013. He added that France will be concentrating on its relations with the south of Europe.
“This is important on two levels – the geo-strategic and the opening of markets,” he said, concluding that France can take on the role of intermediary between the north and south of Europe.