"Let us forge a new Mediterranean compact for economic and human partnership," stated the Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia as he opened his keynote address at the PA-UfM Forum and Summit of Speakers in Cairo. He reflected on the thirtieth anniversary of the Barcelona Process, recalling that it was built on the belief that dialogue could replace division and that economic cooperation could bring dignity.
He said that thirty years later, the region must move from declarations to deadlines, from vision to verification, from process to progress, while he questioned whether the promise of 1995 had truly been fulfilled.
When quoting former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff that "There can be no peace in Europe if there is no peace in the Mediterranean," he stated that this warning delivered nearly fifty years ago still holds true today. Mr Speaker pointed out that we cannot speak about a two-state solution in the Middle East without recognising Palestine as a formal state. He also emphasised that for the international community to be credible, those that committed crimes against humanity should be held responsible for their actions.
Speaker Farrugia emphasised that economic cooperation, political stability and social justice remain essential conditions for peace and said the Mediterranean must no longer be treated as Europe's border but instead as Europe's partner. He added that economics without ethics and diplomacy without conscience cannot deliver durable progress, and that Malta's neutrality is rooted in speaking the language of peace with conviction.
Speaker Farrugia continued by stating that revitalising the Barcelona Process means transforming it into a living project that brings real opportunity to people. He continued by stating that cooperation must be reflected not in slogans, but in real action that affect our people and our children in daily lives.
Later in the day, Speaker Farrugia also addressed a panel about Peace and Stability in the Mediterranean Region. During his speech, he recalled Boutros Boutros-Ghali's assertion that peace requires justice and noting that the Mediterranean has long served as a bridge between peoples. He said peace cannot rely on treaties alone but must be supported by trust, shared responsibility and active parliamentary engagement. Speaker Farrugia proposed a permanent forum for parliamentary mediation and early dialogue, as a practical mechanism to anticipate crises before they become more complicated and rebuild trust where it has been broken.
Speaker Farrugia met with Hanafy El Gebaly the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Egypt on the margins of the Speakers Summit. During the bilateral meeting both sides mentioned the excellent relations between the two countries which go back several years.
They discussed the importance of having a parliamentary friendship group between the two Parliaments which will enhance the already good relations between the two sides. The two sides also mentioned the need to improve air connectivity between Malta and Egypt that will improve trade and tourism. Speaker El Gebaly thanked Speaker Farrugia for Malta's recent recognition of Palestine.
The Speakers Summit concluded by adopting the Cairo Declaration.