The President of Malta George Vella and the President of Croatia Zoran Milanović confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
After the official welcoming ceremony in St George’s Square in Valletta, President Vella and President Milanović held a tête-à-tête, followed by a bilateral meeting between the official delegations of Malta and Croatia in the Tapestry Hall of the Grand Master’s Palace. Discussions focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries, the situation in Ukraine, the ongoing challenges being confronted by the Mediterranean region, the enlargement of the European Union, and the Conference on the Future of Europe.
President Vella and President Milanović welcomed the extent and frequency of exchanges at all levels, which have registered progress in the political, economic, and cultural fields.
Addressing the press together with President Milanović, President Vella stated that Malta looks very positively on Croatia’s progress towards achieving the criteria to join the euro area and encourages further reforms in its path towards becoming a member of the Schengen area, which will facilitate further bilateral relations between Malta and Croatia, and tourism. Regarding the latest developments concerning the Conference on the Future of Europe, President Vella underlined the importance of the citizen remaining at the heart of the process. He expressed their hope for an active European Union on regional and international issues.
During the talks, President Vella also reiterated Malta’s supportive stand and a strong commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans region. With President Milanović, the President elaborated on his belief that the place of the Western Balkans is in the European Union as full member states. About the war in Ukraine, both Presidents exchanged views on how the invasion by Russia disrupted global stability, international trade, energy sourcing and even food shortages.
During the press briefing, President Milanović talked about Croatia’s joining the eurozone, and its interest to access the Schengen area to facilitate the flow of people and boost its tourism economy. The President of Croatia also talked about the way that developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina are having a direct effect on his country.
The President of Malta renewed his invitation for President Milanović to participate in the Arraiolos Meeting on the 6th of October.