This was stated by Censu Galea, Competitiveness and Communications Minister when opening the International Maritime Law Institute Academic Year yesterday.

Throughout the years, more than 300 students from nearly 100 countries have graduated from the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).

The minister said that, “Dr Joe Borg’s appointment by the Barroso Commission as Commissioner for Fisheries Maritime Affairs is indeed a prestigious responsibility for Malta and we intend to closely collaborate for the best benefit of Malta, the Mediterranean and Europe.”

As the international maritime sector still plays a vital role as a means of communication between countries, particularly for countries like Malta surrounded by the arterial sea routes of the Mediterranean, the minister stressed that maritime affairs are an important pillar of domestic economy. Within this context government has recognised our national commitment in the sector and has ensured that its continuous development of this sector is maintained. “Malta, following the required investments today boasts of providing a wide range of international maritime services and facilities. As an important economic activity and service provider, while furthering its development we want to guarantee that these services are provided at the highest quality standards,” said Mr Galea.

Referring to the concept of safer seas and Malta’s commitment, the minister underlined that government and the Malta Maritime Authority have worked at actively securing the concept, through promotion and legislation, within national and international levels. Now that Malta and Cyprus have become members of the European Union, the EU as a whole has become the largest maritime flag in the world. “We are also contributing in maritime concepts through the International Maritime Organisation, within which Malta has been re-elected with an increased number of votes to its executive Council.”

The minister also spoke about the recently set up Maritime Security Committee by the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communi-

cations, which was convened earlier this month and brought together the main players and stakeholders within this sector. This committee is discussing, among other issues:

• Port security and aims at enabling Malta to meet its obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea;

• The enhancement of ship and port security;

• A new set of port security regulations including a system whereby it will be possible that both within internal ports and territorial waters, all shipping movements, including vessel, crew and cargo information are known enabling port security to be kept at high levels.

This will guarantee the well-being of the industry and respective port operations. Reiterating the message of the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisa-

tion on the occasion of World Maritime Day, which will be celebrated next week, Mr Galea said that, “we must make sure that high levels of vigilance and awareness are maintained and built upon until they become second nature throughout the shipping and port industries,” adding that, “their application goes beyond the theme of maritime security.”

The Competitiveness and Communications Minister also pointed out that the Malta Maritime Authority will be investing time, finances and human resources in its collaboration with IMLI and that early in 2005, it will be welcoming, for the eleventh consecutive year, a group of students who are following a Port Management Course at the World Maritime University.

Moreover, Government is committed to continue providing and maintaining the premises housing this Institute, while the Malta Maritime Authority will again this year provide financial assistance for the realisation of one of the projects that ensure this institution remains a dynamic organisation striving to serve the rule of international maritime law.