Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this evening said that Malta’s vocation is to bridge Africa with Europe. This vocation, along with its geographic position, offers the country countless opportunities.

“We have to look forward and see where we want to lead our country in the next ten years. Our vocation is to become a bridge in the Mediterranean.”

Dr Muscat said Malta has the ability to become a Mediterranean health hub, regarded not only as a humanitarian centre but also as an area of excellence in the field. It can also become a centre for energy exportation to North Africa. “Our natural vocation is to be a bridge connecting Africa with Europe. Malta has unlimited opportunities.”

On a day like this it is easy to get lost in nostalgia, Dr Muscat said, and it is good to remember all the country’s achievements following Freedom Day. The country had truly obtained freedom well before 31 March 1979 because freedom is a matter of attitude and Malta started regarding itself as free and independent well before that date.

“We would be mistaken to think that there is only trouble on the southern side of the Mediterranean. In the south there are problems of security, a lack of democracy and basic human rights. In the north there are economic troubles. Malta is not a perfect country but the economy is moving forward and society is going through positive changes. Civil liberties were one of the country’s greatest achievements.”

The Prime Minister said Malta is in a privileged position that few others can boast of being in. “This is the time to open up to these challenges. We should bring all sides to the discussion table. It may be a delusion to say that we can be the ones to fix the troubles of others but we may still play an important role facilitating such talks.”

 

Back in the 1950s, Malta had helped Europe accept the concept that there can be no peace in the continent without peace in the Mediterranean. Today, that concept remains valid and Malta should keep pushing it forward. 

Pictures: Mike Camilleri