Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta, Anglu Farrugia, has called on Europe and China to build a mature relationship rooted in respect, frank dialogue, and practical cooperation, warning against reducing engagement to mutual suspicion.

Speaking on the future of China-Europe relations in China, Farrugia highlighted the deep cultural alignment between the ancient Chinese philosophy of "harmony without uniformity" and Europe's motto "United in diversity." He stressed that both regions possess distinct histories and achievements that deserve recognition without requiring ideological sameness.

"Neither Europe nor China needs the other to become smaller in order to stand tall," Farrugia declared. "Europe should engage China confidently - neither fearfully nor naively. China should engage Europe as an independent partner whose interests and principles deserve respect."

Reflecting on global challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, public health, and energy transitions, Farrugia noted that critical issues carry no passports. He emphasized that humanity will ultimately care about whether solutions were found together, rather than where they originated.

Underlining Malta's historical role as a diplomatic bridge, Farrugia pointed to over 50 years of bilateral relations established between Malta and China in 1972. Drawing on Malta's long-standing constitutional neutrality, he defined neutrality not as passivity or silence, but as "the responsibility to keep doors open, to speak with independence and to defend peaceful settlement."

He recalled key parliamentary discussions as clear evidence of how friendship between nations must translate into practical cooperation across science, technology, fisheries, and tourism. Farrugia also echoed former Maltese leaders, reaffirming that "if you want peace, prepare for peace" and reminding listeners that peace in Europe remains inextricably linked to peace in the Mediterranean.

Concluding his address, Farrugia urged leaders on both sides to pursue open co-existence, compete fairly, and cooperate seriously. He urged that the ultimate benchmark for success extends beyond trade balance sheets and formal communiques: "It will be measured by whether we helped leave the next generation a world less divided than the one we inherited."