Malta’s President, George Vella, addressed international politics and the current global situation in a keynote speech at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Speaking on the theme of ‘Reflections on the present world order,’ President Vella emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the European Union in the face of threats to values and ideals. He highlighted the need for a stronger European Union during times of war, turmoil, populism, and the resurgence of extremist political ideals.
President Vella underscored the significance of diplomacy and negotiations as fundamental pillars of functioning multilateral systems, stating that security challenges cannot be resolved through force. He praised Malta’s neutrality as a valuable tool for justice and peace, even in turbulent circumstances, allowing the country to maintain vocal and active stances.
Expressing concern about the Middle East conflict’s impact on global trade and supply lines, President Vella condemned the killing of innocent people and called for an end to the ongoing massacres, particularly of children. He emphasized Malta’s commitment to international responsibilities, including assuming the Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for 2024.
President Vella also met with Michael Roth, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament, discussing developments in the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. They emphasized the importance of EU unity and its role in international affairs, with Malta actively participating in global diplomatic efforts.
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