This decision was confirmed by Minister Franco Frattini, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs during a meeting with Foreign Minister Michael Frendo a day before the signing of the Treaty Establishing a European Constitution during bilateral talks at the Italian Foreign Ministry in Rome, a government statement said yesterday.

During this meeting held at the Farnesina, Dr Frendo thanked the Italian Government for its decision to extend the duration of the Fifth Financial Protocol. In real terms this decision will allow the government of Malta to absorb the funds available under the Fifth Financial Protocol until the end of 2007.

In 2003, Italy had agreed to support Malta with 75 million Euros worth of major projects and equipment.

Projects financed by the Italian government, through the Fifth Financial Protocol, include the major road building projects currently underway by the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development valued at 30 million Euros. This major project ranges from Targa Gap to Luqa through the outskirts of Mosta, Rabat and Ta’ Qali, Zebbug and Qormi.

New Search and Rescue vessels used by the Civil Protection Department have also been commissioned under this Financial Agreement.