🇲🇹
#Malta Foreign and European Affairs Minister Chris Fearne raised warnings of the impact of the escalation of the conflict in the
#MiddleEast on
#Mediterranean #shipping and
#trade 🛳️
📍Minister Fearne was speaking on Monday (12 Oct) in Luxembroug, where he represented Malta during the Foreign Affairs Council
#FAC 🇪🇺
📝 During the Council, Ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East,
#enlargement, and
#Russia’s war of aggression against
#Ukraine.
🚢 Speaking to EU counterparts, Minister stressed that disruptions to shipping in the Strait of
#Hormuz, together with threats to commercial shipping routes through the
#RedSea and the
#SuezCanal, are a serious concern for southern European countries.
⚠️ “Any disruption to these
#shipping routes could have a direct impact on trade and our economy. It is therefore in Malta’s interest to ensure that these routes remain open and secure.”- Minister Fearne.
⚓ Malta also supported calls to strengthen naval protection for commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
🛡️ The Minister stressed that Malta’s neutrality does not prevent it from safeguarding its maritime and economic interests, while continuing to support diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
🇵🇸 On Palestine, Minister Fearne reiterated support for a Two-State solution, and expressed concern over settler violence, the expansion of West Bank settlements, and the lack of progress on the Gaza Peace Plan.
🗳️ The Minister also urged Palestinian Authority to bring forward elections, and avoid delays that would affect democratic renewal and the representation of the Palestinian people.
🇺🇦 During an exchange of views on Ukraine, Minister Fearne also welcomed discussions on a possible ceasefire, particularly as winter approaches 🕊️
More Info 👉
gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Pre…
@chrisfearne