Malta consistently emphasises the importance of dialogue, and in recent days, the interaction between high-ranking European Union officials and Iran has been noted with interest. In the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, upon the request of the Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg held bilateral talks with his Iranian counterpart.

During this meeting, Minister Borg continued the discussion initiated by the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, and the EU’s High Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, along with the same Iranian Minister in recent weeks. Minister Borg reiterated the European Union’s common position regarding the Russian War in Ukraine and the concern with reports regarding the military support towards Russia from the Iranian side.

Minister Borg also emphasised the importance of upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals, as well as the significance of finding the path towards de-escalation through the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) at the core.

Throughout the day on Wednesday, Minister Borg also attended several other meetings and events. Firstly, an urgent meeting of the Security Council addressing the latest developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. Malta is deeply concerned about the recent military escalation by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Karabakh. Minister Borg called on both sides to return to direct interaction and goodwill and to focus on more constructive and positive diplomatic contact. He condemned any actions that endanger civilian lives. Malta will continue to strongly support the EU’s leading role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

Minister Borg also attended the Ministerial Meeting of the International Criminal Court, where Malta reiterated its support towards the important work being done. Malta believes that the International Criminal Court plays a critical role in international justice and is committed to raising awareness to curb the impunity observed in certain international regions.

During the Mediation Group Ministerial Meeting, Minister Borg explained that now, more than ever, in the face of conflicts and threats experienced worldwide, the need to find peaceful solutions to this lack of agreement is crucial. Mediation is the key.

Here, the Maltese Minister also led an event in collaboration with the United States, UNICEF, and War Child UK that focuses on the detention of children affiliated with armed groups. He spoke of the importance of how we treat these children, especially post-conflict and when they are no longer part of armed groups. He stated that it is essential to show compassion and provide sensitive and careful support towards these children while always upholding their rights.

Minister Ian Borg also attended the Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting for Commonwealth, the preparatory meeting for the ‘Summit of the Future’, a Ministerial Meeting for Accountability of the Russian Aggression in Ukraine, and discussions on the declaration against arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations.