Malta as an ambassador of the European Union in the Mediterranean, and vice versa, must seek ways and means to promote European values while at the same time discuss the Mediterranean particular needs in international spheres. The bridging towards present and future collaboration is very important in today’s world.
One of the main key players on the southern shores of the Mare Nostrum for sure is Libya. Having a good relation with the Arabic state is not only important for the cooperation in the fight against human trafficking but also very significant in an economic context.
The bond of friendship between the two countries goes back in time and locally, it is commonly agreed that good ties between the two states are important. The economic aspect plays an important role in these relations, not only a considerable number of Maltese work on Libyan shores but also significant amount of Maltese companies have invested in the Jamahiriya.
Dialogue is an important aspect in the relationship between the two nations. The Libyan role in the efforts at forging a closer African Union, must be given the due respect. Such a union is important not only for the African continent but also for the European Union.
This union could be an important player to disseminate peace and lead the continent towards sustainable development and prosperity – two issues that may lead to a reduction of the human exodus we are presently witnessing.
The birth of the African Union (AU) can be described as an event of great magnitude in the political evolution of the continent. In September 1999, the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity issued a Declaration (the Sirte Declaration) calling for the establishment of an African Union to accelerate the process of integration in the continent. This would enable Africa to be more competitive in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems compounded as they are by certain negative aspects of globalisation.
The United Nations New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) was first mentioned at the 36th Heads of State and Government Assembly of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) held in Algeria, back in 2000.
Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa were asked to develop an integrated socio-economic framework for Africa. Subsequently, the 37th Summit of the OAU held in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001 formally endorsed NEPAD as the framework for the continent’s development.
This takes time and a lot of hard work and the European Union should be a principal contributor towards this political evolution on the African continent. For not only the prevention of illegal immigration but also most, importantly it is a very good occasion to share our experience on how to create peace, solidarity and cooperation from the ashes of war and conflicts.
In today’s highly competitive global market, the European Union must work with strategic partners. President Emeritus Prof. Guido de Marco described this very well when in his speech at the EPP-ED Study Days he referred to the raw materials and resources on the southern Mediterranean shores and the high technologies on the northern shores of the basin. Uniting the resources would strengthen both sides in an ever-aggressive market and prepare both continents against the Asiatic Tiger that is rising from the east.
The EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament strongly support the European Commission’s policy whose objectives are to share the benefits of the EU’s 2004 enlargement with neighbouring countries and strengthen stability, security and well-being for all concerned. Malta becoming the southern most state of the European Union is a key player in the strengthening of these relations.
The commitment as Christian Democrats in the European Parliament is to work for a privileged relationship with our neighbouring countries built on common values, principally within the fields of the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights, including minority rights, and the principles of market economy and sustainable development.
Malta must deal with the problem directly and lead by example in closing ties with our southern neighbours. This has nothing to do with charity; it is an important strategic partnership in a win-win situation in which both parties benefiting from the collaboration.
With the introduction of the euro, we will have another useful tool in the world market and we must take the maximum advantage by strengthening our ties with our neighbours. Having invested in sectors such as ICT, financial services and education may result as assets to tighten these links.
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