A country must know where it wants to go. For Malta, size has never prevented us from contributing beyond what geography might suggest. Our strength has often been found in dialogue, in bringing people together, and in understanding that a small State can command respect when it is clear about its principles and consistent in applying them.
The government has recently continued to emphasise Malta's full and equal voice within the European Union, the importance of consensus, international law, and stronger European engagement in the Mediterranean. These are important elements of Malta's foreign policy tradition and of the role we can continue to play in Europe.
A small country does not need to speak loudly to lead. It needs to know what it stands for.
Neutrality must remain active
Neutrality is one of the most important questions Malta must continue discussing seriously. Our Constitution does not speak of passive neutrality. It describes Malta as a neutral state actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations. That word - actively - has always mattered to me.
Neutrality should give Malta the freedom to support international law, defend human dignity, and keep dialogue alive, particularly when others find dialogue difficult. It does not mean standing aside from Europe. Malta is European, but it also brings to Europe its own constitutional identity and its long experience as a credible Mediterranean country committed to peace and multilateralism.
Neutrality should never mean absence but a stronger presence. Malta's neutrality should mean presence where dialogue and peace are needed.
Europe: Unity without losing our voice
Europe needs greater cooperation at a difficult international moment, but European strength also depends upon Member States feeling that they remain part of the decisions taken in their name.
I therefore note with interest Malta's recent insistence that Europe should become faster by preparing common positions earlier rather than weakening consensus between Member States. Foreign Minister Chris Fearne described the objective as a Europe that acts together while retaining the full voice of every Member State.
For a country such as Malta, this is particularly important. Unity has greater authority when it has been built through agreement.
Canada and the European Union
The recent proposal for Canada to become the European Union's first "associate member" deserves careful consideration. Canada is an important friend and partner of Europe, and there is every reason to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, technology, research and other areas. Canada already participates in the EU's SAFE defence-procurement framework following an agreement concluded this year.
However, "associate membership" is not presently a defined status under the EU treaties. The proposal announced on 16 September is still being developed, and its precise rights and obligations remain unclear.
For that reason, the first task should be clarity: what would such a relationship mean, how would it affect Member States, and how would it relate to countries already following established European accession paths?
A close partnership with Canada can undoubtedly be valuable. But European structures should develop through careful agreement rather than through terminology whose meaning has yet to be settled.
Friendship between nations becomes stronger, not weaker, when the terms of that friendship are clear.
The Mediterranean is our natural responsibility
Malta also has an opportunity to help keep the Mediterranean high on Europe's agenda. The government has rightly continued to emphasise that stability in the Mediterranean directly affects the stability and prosperity of Europe.
This should translate into practical cooperation: stronger relations with our neighbours, investment, education, maritime cooperation, civil protection and opportunities for young people. Migration must also be addressed well before people reach the sea. Development, employment and stability in neighbouring regions form part of any lasting answer.
Malta is exceptionally placed to contribute because we understand both Europe and the Mediterranean.
Experience carries a responsibility
Receiving the CPA Lifetime Achievement Award in Cape Town was a great honour. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association recognised almost three decades of parliamentary and public service and work in strengthening democratic institutions, parliamentary diplomacy and international humanitarian law.
In accepting it, I said that public office is temporary while the values one believes in must remain. I concluded that wherever truth must be defended, injustice confronted, peace pursued and human dignity protected, there remains work to be done.
That remains my restless belief.
A lifetime achievement should never mean that one has finished contributing. Experience should give us the confidence to look beyond political divisions, recognise what is being done well, and where improvements are possible, put forward something better rather than simply criticise.
Malta has much to be proud of. Our task now is to build on it, protect what distinguishes us, and ensure that our voice continues to be heard with respect - in Europe, in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Dr Anglu Farrugia is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives