MALTA HOLDS URGENT TALKS WITH QATAR AND UAE AMID MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION

Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, has held urgent talks with Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan following the latest escalation in the Middle East and the Gulf.

Discussions focused on recent attacks on cities in the region and support for foreign nationals, including Maltese citizens living in or travelling through Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Deputy Prime Minister Borg expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and called for caution and restraint to prevent further escalation. Malta also condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks, particularly those targeting states not involved in the ongoing conflict.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed that, through its consular services and diplomatic missions in the region, it is closely monitoring developments and maintaining contact with Maltese nationals. Citizens have been urged to remain indoors, follow instructions issued by local authorities, and avoid travelling to affected countries for the time being.

Ahead of an emergency meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Qatari and UAE leaders encouraged Malta to continue discussions with Israel and the United States to assist in the potential repatriation of EU citizens wishing to leave the region.

Both countries have also offered temporary accommodation to stranded travellers, including Maltese nationals, whose lodging arrangements may have lapsed, as efforts continue to facilitate their safe return home.

#MaltaDaily