PN MP Tonio Fenech fired questions in Parliament relating to the effective closure of the airport for four hours after the plane crash which occurred in Malta earlier this week.

He said that the crash itself occurred on the road next to the airport, and asked government to investigate the reason for the closure, given that Malta has a second runway to be used in emergencies as well.

"From what I understand, the emergency runway was not available. I don't know if this is a decision by MIA to save money as keeping two runways open would incurr costs".

It was clear, he said, that such incidents could affect the country badly.

He said that the incident "where these five French officials were heading towards Libya unfortunately lost their lives, brought up a number of questions". He said that at one moment there was a tweet reading the plane belonged to Frontex, and then that it wasn't. "I think the people await government to be better informed as to what is going on. I understand there could be collaboration with other countries in certain efforts going on in Libya, but I think the government had to be more clear as to what happened. Certainly there is the ongoing investigation".

He said that the ministry's work this past year was clouded. "Instead of Malta being heard in a positive note, Malta is mentioned in topics such as the Panama Papers which cast a dark shadow over our name, and the medical visas scandal".

"Our Prime Minister, especially in the Panama Papers, chose not to take the necessary decisions. Decisions which persons from both sides of the House of Parliament expected him to take".

He mentioned the Pana committee in the European Parliament, looking into the Panama Paper.

Turning to finances, he said that "an increase in allowances, from €3.5 million in 2014 up to €6 million in 2016 is not a small rise. One must see who these allowances they are going to and what results they will bring".

Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella said that there are many challenges around Malta, and mentioned the upcoming EU Council Presidency.

He said that more people were needed in the embassies, due to the Presidency, to hold meetings and provide information. He added, while referring to allowances, that allowances for members of other ministries in embassies abroad would be paid by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The minister said that during the Presidency, he wants to see EU relations with the Southern neighbourhood strengthen. He also said that Foreign Affairs Ministers will try and meet those of the Southern neighbourhood, as well as those of the Gulf regions.

He said Brexit will have an effect on the EU, and that Malta will be involved given that Article 50 will be triggered during Malta’s Presidency. “We will be honest brokers,” he said.  “We will face this challenge with determination”. 

He said with Britain leaving, federalist policies are being pushed forward by certain countries. "We would need to see how we are affected by this sort of policy, and we need to find a balance".

The minister spoke about the many conferences held on the island, such as CHOGM, hailing them a success and praising Malta’s organisation.

“We must not forget the EU-Africa summit held here. This focussed on migration. It was a success and is mentioned in every migration conference held. It was the first time there was an agreed upon action plan, and a Trust Fund was agreed upon to invest in African projects”.

“Next year we will hold a stock-taking activity to see the results of this fund. Thus far around €900 million has been allocated for projects to help from this fund".

The Minister spoke of a trade financing facility. “Many small commonwealth states are vulnerable, and we know when they come to ask for loans from world banks, they would need to pay high interest rates. The idea of this centre is for there to be a fund up-kept by bigger countries, so that the interest rates smaller Commonwealth countries need to pay would be less”.

 He pledged that no fueling or bunkering for Russian navy vessels will occur.