Malta continued to strengthen it relationship with important partners in the Mediterranean region in order to ensure more stability, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg said.

He addressed a press conference after a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of Morocco, Nasser Bourita.

The two Ministers reiterated the need for more discussion between all the Mediterranean states so that this topic continues to be raised at the top of the agenda and the much-needed issues are addressed.

"As a Minister within the Council of Ministers of the European Union, I will continue, as I have always done, to speak and lead forward the importance of discussing the southern neighbourhood," said Minister Ian Borg.

During the bilateral meeting between Minister Borg and Minister Bourita, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Mediterranean Academy for Diplomatic Studies and the Moroccan Academy for Diplomatic Studies with the aim of strengthening the cooperation in relation to research, training and exchange in this sector. This will help students from both countries to progress in their studies and build their skillset, the government said.

"During the meeting, bilateral relations and their strengthening, prospective potential cooperation agreements, relations between Morocco and the European Union, Immigration and even trade were discussed between the two countries, including ways to strengthen them in the coming time through this visit. Libya and the Russian invasion of Ukraine were also on the agenda."