Maltese Foreign Minister meets with UN General Secretary Kofi Annan

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Joe Borg had a meeting with UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan with whom he discussed the most recent developments in the Middle East, the suspension of the sanctions on Libya and the contribution of Malta to the work of the United Nations. The Secretary General commended Malta for its very active role in the United Nations, paying tribute to the late Dr. Arvid Pardo as the author of the Law of the Sea initiative. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Malta's role in favour of peace in the Mediterranean and his conviction that Malta would continue to play this role following its accession to the European Union.

Minister Borg also had a meeting with the President of the General Assembly Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, who referred to the role of small states in the UN. The President stated that he often used Malta and Singapore to illustrate that some of the most ground breaking UN initiatives have come from small countries.

In a Meeting with the Foreign Minister of Belgium, Mr. Louis Michel, Foreign Minister Dr. Joe Borg outlined Malta's EU accession strategy and programme of reforms. The Belgian Foreign Minister stated that Malta was in a good position to join the Union and assured the Minister of his country's continued support. Mr. Louis also referred to the Helsinki Summit, suggesting that it could mark the end of the "fast track" and the beginning of a new process where all countries are assessed individually on their ability to join the Union.

Foreign Minister Dr. Joe Borg also met with his Cypriot counterpart Mr. Ionnis Kasoulides with whom he discussed the two countries progress towards accession to the EU. The Cypriot Minister stated that small countries enjoy an advantage over larger ones in negotiating accession because of the relative ease with which the implementation of the acquis can be achieved. The Ministers also agreed to move towards the conclusion of negotiations on an agreement on the Promotion of Investments and another on Merchant Shipping.

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Joe Borg, Polish Foreign Minister Prof. Gronislav Geremek said that Malta was an easy case for the European Union. He stated that Malta had the opportunity to join the European Union very soon if it pursues accession closely. The Polish Minister offered to share his country's experiences in EU negotiations through direct consultations between the Maltese and Polish negotiators.

Bilateral issues were the main subject of a meeting between Foreign Minister Dr. Joe Borg and the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mr. Borys Tarasyuk. Minister Tarasyuk announced that detailed plans are being prepared for a Ukrainian delegation including representatives of the Foreign and Transport Ministries and the Business, Tourism and Sport Committees to visit Malta shortly. The Ministers made reference to the Air Services and Double Taxation Agreements between the two countries, that are awaiting signature. They also agreed to press ahead with new agreements on Tourism, Trade and Investment Co-operation, Investment Guarantees, Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime.

The Maltese Centre in Astoria, New York organised a function in honour of Minister Dr. Joe Borg on September 24th 1999. The Minister had the opportuntity to meet many of the Maltese and Gozitan emigrants who had settled in New York. The President of the Maltese Centre Mr. Charles Demicoli exchanged gifts with the Minister whe also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occassion.