Successful conclusion to the Joint Valletta Action Plan: Senior Officials’ Meeting held in Malta

In its capacity as host to the Valletta Summit on Migration, and in its role at the helm of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Malta is proud to announce a successful conclusion to the Joint Valletta Action Plan: Senior Officials’ Meeting that took place in Malta on the 8th and 9th of February.

Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella opened the Senior Officials’ Meeting. His opening speech was followed by statements from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, Minister of Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela, Minister of Malians Abroad and current Chair of the Rabat Process Abdramane Sylla, and Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chair of the Khartoum Process Teshome Toga Chanaka.

In the same spirit of cooperation and solidarity displayed at the Valletta Summit on Migration fifteen months ago, delegations from across Europe and Africa have engaged in constructive dialogue, taking stock of progress made under the five pillars of the Joint Valletta Action Plan, leading to the endorsement of a set of joint conclusions which represent a political reaffirmation of our commitment to both the spirit and the letter of the Joint Valletta Action Plan.

The Joint Valletta Action Plan adopted at the Valletta Summit in 2015 enhanced cooperation between African and European partners and provided a framework for humane, sustainable management of migration on both sides of the Mediterranean. Drawing on the recommendations of the Rabat Process and the Khartoum Process, the joint conclusions adopted today reiterate the commitment of all stakeholders to the principles of solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility in the area of migration management and mobility.

Partners have recognised that well managed migration benefits countries of origin, transit and destination, and have committed to pursue the aims of the Joint Valletta Action Plan. This ambitious objective requires earnest cooperation, coordination and partnership among all stakeholders.

The next Senior Officials’ Meeting will be held in 2018 in Ethiopia. Malta remains committed to the spirit of the Valletta partnership and to seeking sustainable solutions to migration in a spirit of solidarity. Malta has established migration as one of its main priorities during the ongoing Presidency of the Council of the EU.