Prime Minister Robert Abela signed a joint declaration alongside six other European countries calling for humanitarian aid to be allowed to be delivered into the Gaza Strip as well as to call for all parties involved in this conflict to undergo, and commit themselves to, a ceasefire.

Abela was present at the Sixth European Political Community Summit.

This summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and hosted in the Albanian capital of Tirana. Representatives from the European Union were also present, namely the current President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

This joint declaration was signed by Malta, Spain, Norway, Luxembourg, Iceland, Slovenia, and Ireland following a meeting discussing the situation in the Middle East.

This "Joint Statement on Palestine" calls upon the Israeli government to "immediately reverse its current policy, refrain from further military operations and fully lift the blockade" to ensure the safe, rapid and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as thousands of people there "could starve to death" in the coming days and weeks.

It also condemned further escalation in the West Bank and Eastern Jerusalem through "increased settler violence," "the expansion of illegal settlements and intensified Israel military operations," and the forced displacement of the Palestinian people.

While reiterating the importance of working towards lasting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, Prime Minister Abela said that security and resilience are linked. He also spoke about the need for a commitment towards a more effective cooperation "that leads not only to solidarity, but also to stability on the European continent."

"Stronger cooperation in Europe and with our neighbours is crucial for security, resilience and lasting stability," Prime Minister Abela said.

In relation to this discussion security, the Maltese leader also stated that the European continent must be more proactive in turning its common challenges into opportunities, including realities concerning its ageing populations, economic transformation, and increased global competitiveness.

Here, PM Abela noted how Malta is seeking to address different realities including migration through its Labour Migration Policy.

During a discussion on cooperation for border security and migration, the Maltese Prime Minister stressed that, at the European level, a strategic approach must be taken so that European borders are more secure - all while retaining the continent's "best talent" to cope with the increasing demand for labour.

In this discussion, Abela commented that the future of Europe depends on its workers and thus stressed the importance of improving their skills to appropriately reflect the future demand for labour.

Speaking about Malta's experience with irregular migration, the Prime Minister referred to the country's "success" in facilitating an increasing number of returns and in decreasing the number of arrivals over the past few years, thanks to government policy. He also made note of the Mediterranean's volatile situation, especially in light of emerging tensions in Libya.

Abela called for Europe to work more on preventing irregular immigration by improving relations with countries of origin and transit.

PM Abela also held some bilateral meetings with other present leaders, namely with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and with the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Her Excellency Vjosa Osmani Sadriu. These meetings were centred around strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

The next European Political Community Summit is set to take place later this autumn, in Denmark.