Minister Carmelo Abela calls for stronger Euro-Arab engagement

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela has called for stronger Euro-Arab engagement as he participated in the fourth session of the EU-Arab World Summit in Athens on 29 October.

The overall theme of the summit was ‘A Strategic Partnership’, touching upon new areas of economic cooperation and investment, including in the fields of energy, trade, science, technology and healthcare. The summit brought together prime ministers and interior minister from European and Arab countries, as well as high-level representatives from Mediterranean regional forums.

Minister Abela delivered a speech during a panel session, entitled ‘An Era Of Realignment: The Need For A New European-Arab World Approach’. During his address, the minister underlined the importance for Europe and the Arab world working together, stating that peace and prosperity in their common neighbourhood could only be achieved through joint and coordinated efforts. He emphasized the importance of continued engagement between the EU and the Arab world.

Underlining the importance of economic prosperity in the region, Minister Abela also highlighted the need to develop a positive cooperation agenda, especially in the fields of trade and commerce, energy, science, emerging technologies, health research and development. It is important to have an environment that enables and encourages such exchanges in these areas.

The minister also referred to Malta’s continuous efforts to promote such engagement, citing its hosting of the first EU-LAS Ministerial Meeting, and the presence of the European CommissionLeague of Arab States Liaison Office (ECLASLO) in Malta. It is essential for European and Arab countries to continue deepening relations while exploring new avenues of cooperation. In this context, Minister Abela underlined the importance of youth and young people, more inclusive societies, economic prosperity and sustainable development principles that should remain at the forefront of the collective EuroArab efforts.

On the margins of the summit, Minister Abela also held a brief meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Palestine Nabil Aburdeineh, during which discussions focused mainly on the latest regional developments in the Mediterranean and the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP).