Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the EU must work closely with neighbouring countries in the region to stabilise Afghanistan.

Speaking at the Euromed summit in Athens, Abela said Afghanistan is a multifaceted case with serious security and humanitarian concerns. These may have severe implications on the emergence of possible strategic threats such as a marked increase in irregular migratory flows, narcotic trafficking, terrorism and human rights abuses.

“The EU’s disengagement from the area is not an option,” the PM said. It is vital for the EU and its Member States to work closely with neighbouring countries in the region to stabilise

Afghanistan. This will in turn also reduce the risk of increased migratory flows, an area where we also should start thinking of co-ordination and common guidelines.

Malta’s contribution to this effort may be small and limited in certain aspects, but our political will and commitment to the cause are strong and significant. Malta is concerned with the continuing irregular flows arriving at the EU’s external borders. The Central Mediterranean route continues to see the highest number of crossings, he said.

Abela said he is particularly pleased that “we started our discussion with the topics related to climate change. It is a subject that is, and should stay, at the very top of our agenda. More so because the entire Mediterranean region is on its way to being identified as a ‘climate change hotspot’, and what we are experiencing now is only the beginning.”

The EU has been a prime mover in setting the example globally and we need to continue showing leadership in the battle against climate change, especially if we are to ensure a successful outcome at COP 26 in Glasgow.

“As regards mitigation, a lot of work has been set in motion at an EU level with the Fit for 55 Package setting us on the right course. Taking the necessary action is a Must,” he said.

Our discussion today on biodiversity, forests, the marine environment and blue economy confirmed that ambitious action needs to be taken on a regional and global level. Prioritising new and innovative renewable energy technologies will also contribute to decarbonisation and geopolitical stability, he said.

“We also agreed that safeguarding the competitiveness of certain sectors that are global in nature, such as shipping and aviation, remains a key priority for our region. These industries must be safeguarded against the backdrop of maintaining a global level playing field, whilst ensuring that the strategic role of combined transport and connectivity are addressed, as they are highly impactful on island states such as

Malta and Cyprus. All throughout, however, we must ensure that societal impacts are considered with great importance,” Abela added. 

The PM expressed solidarity with Cyprus. “We continue to stress that respect for sovereign rights and support for International Law and dialogue are the way forward. However, mindful of the fact that Turkey is a key player in the region and a partner of the EU on many levels, not least migration, we also need a parallel track that reflects reality. In this regard, cooperation with Turkey is increasingly important, particularly with the unravelling situation in Afghanistan.

“In the medium and long-term, prevention of irregular migratory flows and enhanced returns are of utmost importance, and this can only be ensured through increased cooperation with third countries,” Abela said. 

For the Central Mediterranean Route, Libya and Tunisia are a priority. Over the last year, I visited Libya and had various discussions – as recent as last week when the Libyan Prime Minister visited Malta. This open channel of communication between Malta and Libya brought to the fore the excellent diplomatic relations we have established with this country over the past months, which is yielding great results. I can assure you that Libya is cooperating, and therefore ensuring forthcoming assistance to our closest neighbour should always remain a priority for the EU. Malta has consistently promoted a European foreign policy approach recognising that peace and security in the Mediterranean is fundamental for stability in Europe. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the challenges we face in the region to the fore and our priority now is a sustainable post-COVID recovery, and an inclusive green transition. A European approach was instrumental in tackling the pandemic. This is certainly a different September than we had one year ago, and this is thanks to our common action on vaccination and the Digital COVID Certificate, the PM said.