The declaration was made after what Dr Gonzi described as a very cordial tète-a-tète between the two men at the Prime Minister’s Girgenti residence.

Tight security was present, but Mr Barroso was apparently unfazed by it all and seemed very much at ease in the Girgenti grounds.

Dr Gonzi said they discussed many issues, among which the Lisbon Agenda. Dr Gonzi said the Lisbon Agenda (a strategy devised to make the EU the most knowledge based and dynamic economy by 2010) had re-invigorated the European Union, especially after the accession of the 10 new states on 1 May.

Dr Gonzi said: “The EU is already making a difference in the everyday lives of Maltese citizens. We have translated EU membership into a positive way of thinking with the view of having a more positive life.”

The Prime Minister said he and Mr Barroso exchanged views about the Lisbon Agenda, especially the way the process is being implemented in Malta. He said that following the signing of the EU Constitution on 29 October, the House of Representatives will discuss it and pass it through Parliament. “It will be a busy time,” he joked.

Mr Barroso said that he had examined all the appointments of European commissioners and said Joe Borg was one of those who could use his experience and know-how to make a good job of it.

“I am not yet president of the commission, but I wanted to meet all European leaders before I assume the role so I can return to the commission with lots of information and with the ability to put forward valid suggestions and proposals that can be taken up,” he said – explaining his visit to Malta.

Mr Barroso explained that Dr Borg was not regarded as a Maltese commissioner – just like other commissioners are not regarded as the commissioner for their countries. “He is a European commissioner. But with his background from Malta, he has a very important role to play. He knows the Mediterranean and its ways.

“Similarly, I know the Maltese want benefits from the EU, but I want to tell you all how important you are to the union and I am convinced that you have so much to offer.”

Dr Borg, he said, had been assigned a very important task. “His experience will be invaluable. I know he is capable and that is why he has been assigned to coordinate the drafting of a Maritime Law charter. It is a very ambitious policy we are seeking. With Malta’s traditions and your country’s geographical location, I am sure he will be a success,” said Mr Barroso.

Mr Barroso then switched to illegal immigration and said the key was for everyone to work together to try and solve the problem.

Dr Gonzi said he had in fact just returned from Libya and said that he had very fruitful discussions with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi (see separate story).

Asked by The Malta Independent about his position on Turkey’s application to join the union in view of talks held in Brussels today, Mr Barroso said he had aligned himself with the stance taken by outgoing president Romano Prodi.

“Dr Gonzi and I spoke about Turkey and I will keep to the stance that President Prodi and Commissioner Gunter Verheugen have taken.

Once he is about to step down, President Prodi will give a run-down on the Turkey situation and I will stick to his position,” concluded Mr Barroso.