Cooperation on agricultural matters between Italy and Malta were high on the agenda of a meeting held in Bari between Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino and Italian Agriculture Minister Paolo De Castro. The two ministers were attending an international conference on rural development in the Mediterranean.

Minister De Castro said his country endorses Malta’s initiative to call for a conference for Mediterranean countries to discuss measures published in the EU green paper on maritime policy.

Minister Pullicino said that Malta’s first plan on rural development involved a restructuring of the agricultural sector. The second plan, for 2007-2013, will deal with afforestation, agro-tourism and restoration of the countryside.

The minister stressed urban development is needed to ensure that agriculture and the environment do not oppose each other. He said that the Mediterranean needs long-term rural development plans.