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Visit to Malta by the Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg
01/02/2017
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrives at San Anton Palace and pays a courtesy call on President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and signs the visitors’ book.
Current developments within the European Union and Migration were discussed during bilateral talks between Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Prime Minister Solberg said that Norway is a member of the Single Market, and has a number of different cooperation agreements with the European Union. She acknowledged that the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU comes at a very challenging time within the context of European and international security. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that Norway, though not a member of the EU, is a very good European country which showed the benefits of the Single Market. He lauded Norway in particular for showing solidarity by taking up its part of the quota of refugees as agreed within the EU framework. During the talks, both sides dwelt on how external issues can affect relations between Norway and the EU.
Malta and Norway signed two Memoranda of Understanding; one relating to EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021, and the other on the Implementation of the Norwegian financial mechanism, amounting to €8 million.
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said that the monies will finance projects relating to health, culture, civic society, and poverty. During the signing of the MOUs, Prime Minister Solberg stressed on the need of an outward-looking, strong, and united, EU.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, on his part, said that the €8 million grant is another way to show how to make Europe work for many people, as these funds will help many families. Dr Muscat also referred to migration which is a security and humane issue and which needs to be tackled in a rational manner.
Dr Muscat said that the EU is currently in the process to come out with a declaration regarding the central Mediterranean where relations with Libya are crucial. Prime Minister Muscat said that one needs to help Libya manage its own borders and not to resort to pushing back people.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg speaking to the media.
