Malta and Saudi Arabia agreed on the need for more cooperation between the two countries in several sectors, primarily when it comes to trade. This emerged from a bilateral meeting held by Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, together with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
This is the first time in 47 years of bilateral relations that a minister for foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia has decided to visit our country with the sole purpose of having a bilateral meeting with the minister for foreign affairs of Malta. From his end, Minister Ian Borg said that this fact shows how instrumental and important this meeting was. “Through this strategic meeting we are sending a clear message that the time has come for our relationship to develop to a better one particularly in the sectors of economy and culture among others”, claimed Minister Ian Borg.
Minister Borg also stated that he believes that there is a need for a strengthened strategic relationship intended to facilitate business between the two countries. During the meeting there was agreement on the need for the Joint Commission on the Economy to continue with its work and thus increase the opportunities for business and trade between the two countries. Minister Borg went on to say that he believes that three other sectors with strong potential for cooperation are the educational, cultural and tourism sectors. Minister Borg also discussed the energy sector and dependence on different sources. During this meeting, Malta’s commitment to continue to be a voice in favour of international peace and security in the United Nations Security Council was reiterated. Minister Borg went on to say how on a European level, Malta will continue to support European relations with Saudi Arabia while ensuring that the Persian Gulf region continues to be given the strategic importance it deserves.
During his interventions, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that he is very optimistic that this visit to Malta will serve to strengthen the excellent relations that exist between the two countries not only on the political level but also the commercial one. He claimed that as a country, Malta’s support in international fora was always appreciated and he wished our country success in the United Nations Security Council. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud made an official invitation to Minister Ian Borg to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia together with a commercial delegation.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister