'Much-needed relief, renewed hope': Abela welcomes news of US-Iran truce
PN welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for dialogue and diplomacy
Updated 12.40pm with PN reaction
Robert Abela welcomed news of a temporary ceasefire in Iran, saying it was an "encouraging development" and a "much-needed moment of relief and renewed hope".
Late on Tuesday, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that will see Tehran temporarily reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump had set a deadline for Iran to reopen the waterway or face obliteration, with Tehran saying it had agreed to safe passage in the Strait on the eleventh hour.
A fifth of global oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Malta's Central Bank governor has cautioned that military conflict in the Middle East will yet again test the resilience of the local economy to global shocks.
Alexander Demarco said the bank still expects Malta’s economic growth to remain significantly above that of the euro area; however, “high uncertainty” in economic projections exists due to the Middle East conflict.
On Wednesday, the prime minister said Malta remained firmly committed to diplomacy and would continue to advocate for peace, dialogue, and stability at every opportunity.
Diplomacy must prevail over war: PN
Later on Wednesday, the PN also welcomed the ceasefire and called for dialogue and diplomacy.
It said in a statement that the de-escalation brought "a much-needed pause after weeks of intense conflict".
"This ceasefire represents an opportunity to shift from confrontation to constructive dialogue. This must now be a turning point – towards lasting peace, meaningful dialogue, and stability for all affected communities," shadow minister Beppe Fenech Adami and party international secretary Beppe Galea said.
"We call on all parties involved to commit to sustained negotiations and diplomatic engagement so that this truce becomes a foundation for lasting peace and stability, not only in the Middle East but across the wider international community."
The PN reiterated its belief in peaceful resolution of disputes and encourages efforts by regional and global leaders to prioritise diplomacy, mutual understanding, and negotiations that secure a durable and just peace for all affected populations.
Diplomacy must prevail over war, the party added.