Malta hosts a first

Malta will today and tomorrow host the first ever meeting of Foreign Ministers' from the European Union and the League of Arab States, bringing together 27 European and 22 Arab ministers, the EU Secretary General and High Representative, the European Commissioner for External Relations and the Secretary General of the Arab League around one table. They will discuss topical issues of common interest and concern under the co-chairmanship of the Slovenian EU Presidency, the Saudi Arabian Presidency of the League of Arab States and Malta as the host state.

The Maltese initiative, which I first floated in September 2006 at the informal Foreign Ministers' meeting in Finland, was from the outset intended to provide an opportunity for engagement in political debate on issues such as climate change and energy security, inter-cultural dialogue and development issues.

This is a meeting which, for example, uniquely brings together major producers and major consumers of energy and provides a moment of reflection on the global issue of climate change. Malta's internationally-known ambassador on climate change, Michael Zammit Cutajar, will briefly address the meeting introducing the discussion. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for ministers, in an informal setting, to discuss the issues in the Middle Eastern region with Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa coming to the meeting fresh from his mediating role in Lebanon.

The success of this conference turns on its ability to provide a positive approach to these issues. We have worked hard to bring this meeting to fruition, firm in our conviction that this event provides an opportunity to promote, in the interest of all, the politics of moderation in the international arena.

Malta's credentials to organise this meeting are unique, stemming not least from its cultural versatility derived from its chequered history and geo-strategic position and from its language which fuses the two realities present at this meeting. In this context, as part of the European family, our country undoubtedly has a pro-active role to play in enhancing relations with the Arab world. This is an area where we are well placed to give a contribution; indeed, we feel it is our duty to do so. As stated in the document outlining the strategic objectives of Malta's foreign policy, we seek to be a trusted interlocutor with the Arab world. This also represents an example of Malta adding value in international politics as a member state of the European Union.

A fruitful discussion between the EU and the Arab world allows us all to address the concerns relating to our common security, to the avoidance of cultural conflict in our societies and to air our views on approaches to prevailing international issues. It is conducive to greater convergence in the sharing of ideas, interests and concerns. We should seek at all times to mature further relations between the EU and the Arab world, a need amply illustrated by events over the past few years not least by misunderstandings arising from diverse cultural environments.

It is increasingly becoming onerous on Foreign Ministers to take a wider cognisance of the importance of taking on their diplomatic board these issues that significantly mark the signs of the new times. The Malta meeting is therefore a moment of deeper horizontal engagement between the EU and the Arab League and the member states of each grouping.

Promoting and seeing this initiative through has been another major diplomatic achievement for Malta and a tangible contribution to the EU's common foreign and security policy. Within this context, in setting out and pursuing the strategic objectives of its foreign policy, Malta has shown it has a proactive role to play in the interests of peace, prosperity and stability in our regions.

Dr Frendo is Minister of Foreign Affairs.