Malta's geographical and historical position should be "the catalyst" to bring the Mediterranean together, according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr.George Vella. He said this at the opening of the Med Forum at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta where he stressed the importance of the country playing an important role in international politics as Malta approaches the EU Presidency.
The forum, which will take place from 24th - 26th October will see discussions revolve around the latest developments in Libya and Tunisia, the situation in the Middle East as well as the upcoming priorities of Malta's EU Presidency, in particular those relating to the Mediterranean.
Illegal migration was at the centre of the opening of the forum this morning with President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, Ms Elisabeth Gigiou stressing that it is necessary for Europe to preserve mobility and seek out legal methods in which the migration between the north and south of the Mediterranean can be achieved sustainably.
She emphasised that integration was valuable facet of civic society and the Erasmus programme was a beacon of what integration between nations can achieve, in fact Ms.Gigiou seemed to suggest that she would wish that the programme be extended to the south of the Mediterranean.
The power that youth will play in the future Mediterranean politics was also an important factor in achieving understanding and a better quality of life.