Malta, Swiss Federal Council sign €3.5 million agreement

The Maltese Government and the Swiss Federal Council signed an agreement called the ‘Second Swiss Contribution’ during an official visit by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, with the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, the ministry said.

“After the success of the first agreement in 2017, Minister Ian Borg, together with President Ignazio Cassis, in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett, signed this second agreement with a contribution of €3.5 million towards our country. These funds aim to reduce economic and social disparities in our country,” the statement read.

During the bilateral meeting with President Cassis, Minister Ian Borg said that Malta recognises and thanks the Swiss Federal Council for choosing Malta as one of the EU countries to contribute funds to. He said that these funds will be used to further strengthen the public health sector, particularly when it comes to heart disease. This sector is considered one of the most important pillars of our country.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett said that Malta is very pleased that the Swiss contribution, for the second time, will focus on strengthening Malta’s health sector, with the procurement of a cardiac catherization suite theatre.

“We remain confident that this collaboration will bring about the necessary changes in the provision of treatment for cardiac challenges, improve emergency response mechanisms and create more awareness amongst health professionals and the general public alike,” stated Parliamentary Secretary Bonett.

The President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis said that both countries share a close and long-standing partnership which holds great potential. He went on to say that the signing of the second contribution will advance a comprehensive response to heart diseases in Malta.

During the bilateral meeting, discussions took place about the latest preparations by both countries for the United Nations Security Council next January, neutrality, the strengthening of the DiploFoundation and the bilateral relations between Malta and Switzerland.