Malta to host the Arraiolos Group Meeting next year
Upon invitation by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, President of Malta George Vella participated in the 16th meeting of the Arraiolos Group, which was held at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, seat of the Presidency of the Italian Republic.
This year’s Arraiolos Group Meeting was divided into two plenary sessions, the first of which discussed ‘The EU on the path to strategic autonomy: responsibilities and opportunities’. Noting that the European Union’s capacity to achieve its strategic objectives, overcome its vulnerabilities, and reinforce its capabilities inevitably necessitates cooperation with others, President Vella said that such cooperation requires resources that match the level of ambition, as well as a common sense of purpose. “Without genuine shared value we cannot succeed in leveraging the necessary buy-in within our Union as well as our partners. The EU’s outward looking approach is one of its strengths which should be sustained. The EU must remain a driving force behind multilateralism and the global rules-based international order, ensuring openness and fairness and the necessary reforms.”
The President of Malta added that there is a need to focus on our neighbourhood, in particular our southern partners and Africa, and that the EU should also be able to address the pressing and worrying realities concerning climate change. The EU must also prepare for future migratory challenges.
The second plenary session focused on ‘The EU’s contribution to multilateralism in the post-pandemic world’. President Vella stated that despite the apparent reluctance of some actors to address the current deficiencies of the multilateral system, the EU must continue to strive to engage in meaningful dialogue with its partners and allies, and also with non-like-minded countries.
This is not the time to eradicate the multilateral institutions that have promoted cooperation and brought prosperity and stability for decades, the President stressed. Firm in this belief, Malta is seeking to serve the international community within the highest and most important bodies. As a country whose aspiration is to promote peace and security, equality, and social solidarity, Malta is seeking election to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2023-2024, firmly committed to serve the international community and uphold the values enshrined in the UN Charter.
In remarks the President delivered at a concluding press conference addressed by all the participating heads of state, he announced his proposal for Malta to host the Arraiolos Meeting in the autumn of 2022 and all heads of state agreed unanimously.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister