Malta is to sign an agreement with Saudi Arabia on action to combat international crime, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg announced last night.
Double taxation agreements will also be signed with the kingdom and with Oman when he visits those countries in the coming weeks.
Dr Borg, who was ambassadors accredited to Malta, said it was also hoped that a double taxation avoidance agreement would be signed with Russia.
In his address, Dr Borg reviewed international developments and Malta's actions in international affairs over the past year.
Dr Borg said that with regard to EU enlargement, Malta remained firmly of the view that as long as candidate countries fulfil the membership criteria to the full, there should be no a priori exclusion of any European country to join. The founding fathers of the Union did not impose any capping limit or numerus clausus.
"We are convinced that in this day and age and following the Lisbon Treaty innovations, an EU comprising more members has a stronger voice, globally. We augur that 2011 will be a crucial year for Croatia’s adhesion to the Union. For Iceland too, should this coincide with popular will. We reaffirm our support for Turkey’s admission to the Union. We are convinced that once it fulfils the relevant criteria, its inclusion would make the European Union stronger, more comprehensive."
Dr Borg also pointed out that Malta had, persistently linked security in Europe with that in the Mediterranean.
"To our regret, the re-launching of the Union for the Mediterranean remains unfulfilled owing to the prevailing uncertainties in the Middle East. Malta remains convinced that a re-launching of the Union which puts the Middle East question firmly on its agenda, is essential and beneficial to all countries in the region. Malta is keen to see the Union for the Mediterranean coming to life, engaged in projects and initiatives, which would give visible and tangible form to dialogue in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, we are equally convinced that aspiring for this to happen, while at the same time casting a Nelson’s eye on the acute tensions prevailing in the region, is somewhat anomalous."
Dr Borg also called for progress in the Middle East peace process.
"We owe the children of Gaza, those of Sderot and their future generations, a viable future, in peace and harmony, together."
With respect to the Gulf countries, Dr Borg said he planned to visit Saudi Arabia and possibly Oman later this month and sign with both a Double Taxation (Avoidance) Agreement, as well as an Agreement on Combating International Crime with Saudi Arabia.
In his address, Dr Borg thanked the US and other countries who had taken migrants from Malta and also recalled Pope Benedict's visit to Malta last year.
"Although a secular state by any standard, Malta will not shy away from defending those Christian values which have moulded its identity throughout the ages. During this year, we shall pay special attention to the deteriorating situation of Christian communities throughout the world, and the related protection of freedom of concern, of belief and worship."
On Russia, Dr Borg said that as a result of his meeting with (Foreign Minister) Sergey Lavrov in November 2009, it was hoped that progress would be achieved in the signing of new agreements with the Russian Federation, including a Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty.