British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon paid a short visit to Malta today to hold talks with Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Carmelo Abela. The discussions, held at the Armed Forces’ Maritime Squadron’s base at Hay Wharf in Floriana, focused on the stengthening of the bilateral relations between the two countries, the security situation in the Mediterranean with a particular emphasis on Libya, irregular migration, and other illegal activities occurring in the region.

Addressing a joint press conference at the end of the meeting, Minister Abela described Mr Fallon’s visit soon after the referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU as a sign of the excellent relationship that ties the two countries together. He said that it was important that Malta and the UK continue working together not only for their own benefit but also in the best interest of stability in the Mediterranean and Middle East region.

The Minister said Malta particularly appreciates the specialised training opportunities offered by various UK military academies for AFM personnel. In recent years, around 30 AFM personnel have benefited from training at renowned British colleges  such as RMA Sandhurst, RAF College Cramwell and Dartmouth Naval College. He said Malta was looking forward to more training of this kind in the future.

Secretary of State Fallon said that his visit to Malta aimed at celebrating a historical connection that goes back two centuries between the two countries, strengthening the excellent bilateral relations, and enhancing cooperation in a bid to ensure security in the Mediterranean and in Europe. He said the UK will be sending a second vessel to join HMS Enterprise in the Mediterreanea as part of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia, aimed at neutralising established migrant smuggling routes in the Mediterranean.

He remarked that “the UK is proud to be Malta's closest bilateral partner on defence and is proud that many Maltese servicemen and women have trained in the UK. We want to remain Malta's very best friend."

Following the Press conference, Secretary of State Fallon and Minister Abela visited HMS Enterprise, that is currently berthed in the Grand Harbour.

British High Commissioner Rob Luke and Armed Forces of Malta Commander Jeffrey Curmi accompanied Hon. Fallon and Hon. Abela during this visit.