Health Minister Konrad Mizzi travelled to Azerbaijan three times during 2014; Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne said this evening, however no details of the visits were provided.

Dr Fearne was replying to a parliamentary question put forward by Nationalist MP Jason, who asked Dr Mizzi to provide the dates of his visits to Azerbaijan since March 2013 and to state who accompanied him on these visits.

He said that no visits were held in 2013 and 2015, and that Dr Mizzi travelled to Azerbaijan in March 2014 and September 2014 accompanied by his own personal secretary. He then accompanied the Prime Minister on another trip.

Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil questioned why Konrad Mizzi was absent in today’s parliamentary session and why the public was not notified of the trips. Labour Whip Godfrey Farrugia was unable to explain why Dr Mizzi was absent, with Beppe Fenech Adami commenting that first Sai Mizzi went missing, and now Konrad Mizzi himself.

Dr Busuttil questioned why Dr Mizzi did not take any ambassador, consultant or media with him, adding that Dr Mizzi should come clear.

Dr Fearne then hit back at Dr Busuttil, asking why he did not inform the public about the trip to China, saying that double standards are being practised.

Dr Busuttil replied that the taxpayer will not be paying for the visit to China, unlike the trips Dr Mizzi took.

Nationalist MP Marthese Portelli questioned whether SOCAR representatives visited Malta, and what was the purpose of the visit.

Dr Fearne again failed to answer, saying the question should be put forward by writing.

Arguments erupted in parliament.