The European People’s Party group within the Regions Committee is holding a meeting in Malta on Friday ,at the invitation of the Nationalist Party. The aim is to facilitate dialogue between the EU and the regions and towns of the Mediterranean, by discussing problems and identifying common solutions.

Those addressing the meeting include Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Foreign Minister Michael Frendo.

A Euro-Mediterranean partnership, the Barcelona process, was introduced in 1995 aiming to develop a framework for cooperation between EU members and the members of the southern Mediterranean on a wide range of political. economic and social relations. The EPP group believes strongly in such instruments.

The Malta meeting will make it possible for members of the Regions Committee – who represent local and regional authorities in the EU member states, representatives of the European Parliament and members of the Euro-Mediterranean Parlia-

mentary Assembly – to have discussions with the Mediterranean representatives on topics such as water, intercultural and religious dialogue, immigration, and security.