During a visit to the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) at the University of Malta this morning, Shadow Minister for European and Foreign Affairs and Member of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said Malta should invest more heavily in diplomatic studies and training, especially considering that diplomacy and bilateral negotiation are no longer limited solely to people who work in embassies.

Commenting on recent events in Libya, Roberta Metsola underlined that the EU must put Libya at the forefront of its agenda before the situation deteriorates further.

Roberta Metsola visited the Academy together with Opposition Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Mediterranean Policy Tonio Fenech. They were welcomed by the Director of MEDAC, Professor Stephen Calleya, who congratulated both on assuming their new responsibilities.

"Civil servants occupying executive posts participate in a number of talks, particularly those within the EU sphere; this is a huge responsibility that requires particular skills," said Roberta Metsola, adding that diplomatic studies is an important tool to further strengthen our Diplomatic Corps and encourage more people to start a career in this field.

"MEDAC provides a strong foundation in this regard; the fact that so many foreigners come to Malta to further their diplomatic studies demonstrates the Academy's reputation for high quality education."

While offering the Nationalist Party's support to the Academy, Roberta Metsola paid tribute to all those who were instrumental in shaping MEDAC and turning it into a successful institution over the past 25 years.

Tonio Fenech, on his part, highlighted the risks of instability in the Mediterranean Region and the need for Malta to take a more active role in international diplomacy as a means of bringing the necessary focus of our international partners to this region.

Within this context, said Tonio Fenech, "the Nationalist Party urges the Government to increase its efforts in ensuring that our European partners understand the need for the EU to play a more active role in the Mediterranean, particularly as far as Libya is concerned."

Tonio Fenech said he hoped the Geneva talks register some progress and he expressed concern that large parts of the Libyan territory have become stateless and are turning into a breeding space for terrorist activities, including the emergence of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

Prof. Calleya provided Roberta Metsola and Tonio Fenech with an overview of MEDAC's development and highlighted some of the key activities undertaken over the past months.

In particular, Prof. Calleya spoke about MEDAC's core mission of providing training to diplomats from the Mediterranean region and beyond. The Academy, he explained, had played a significant role in training a cadre of diplomats who understood the challenges faced by the Mediterranean region and were well-equipped to meet such challenges.

MEDAC also serves as a forum where matters affecting Mediterranean political, security and related aspects could be discussed by the major stake-holders in an informal setting. This, Professor Calleya explained, was an aspect of MEDAC's work which was needed more than ever.