Mur Lura
SPEECH BY THE HON EDWARD FENECH-ADAMI, PRIME MINISTER, AT THE DINNER HOSTED IN HONOUR OF H.E. MR BERTIE AHERN, IRISH TAOISEACH, AT AUBERGE DE CASTILLE, VALLETTA. 8th JANUARY 2001.
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08/01/2001
08/01/2001
| It is an honour and a pleasure for me, on behalf of | the people and Government of Malta, to extend our warmest welcome to you and your delegation. |
| In January 1999, soon after having resumed office, | I paid a very successful visit to Ireland. I am delighted to reciprocate today the generous welcome I received then. |
| Your visit here today is a tangible manifestation | of your support of Malta's negotiations for accession to the EU. I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation of the support your country has already extended to Malta in this regard. |
| The recent Nice conclusions, both in terms of their | endorsement of a negotiations strategy as well as on the direction of institutional reform, have brought us one step closer to our goal of membership. |
| As we progress towards accession, I am sure that | Malta can count on Ireland's continued support and collaboration. We need to learn from your experiences, through further dialogue and co-operation. |
| With interest and admiration we see how Ireland has | benefited from its active role in the EU, both economically and politically. |
| Likewise, we do not want to be a passive member of | the European Union, but want to secure an active role in every aspect. |
Taoiseach,
| When mention is made of Ireland, of its brave | history and its creative, welcoming and generous people, a sense of genuine affinity is evoked in the hearts of many Maltese people. This might in part be due to the striking similarities between our countries. We are both islands on the periphery of Europe, a continent that is so overwhelmingly politically and economically influential, sharing strong links to the Catholic faith and tradition. |
| However, for many of us, this sense of affinity is | of a more personal and intimate nature. Many can recall, with much fondness and respect, members of Irish religious orders who served as teachers in various Maltese Church schools. Additionally, a good number of Irish nationals are married to Maltese. |
| On political and security matters, as two neutral | states with common interests, Malta and Ireland share much common ground, especially with regards to the unfolding European security architecture. |
| Furthermore, our two countries attach particular | importance to the multilateral process in international relations, both at the global level, within the framework of the United Nations, as well as at the regional level, within such organisations as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and in particular the European Union itself. |
| Ireland's role in UN peacekeeping operations is a | most eloquent and effective demonstration of how this commitment can be translated into effective action. |
| On our part, while firmly believing that Malta's | future and place lies firmly anchored within the European Union, we have traditionally sought to play an active role in the promotion of peace, stability and co-operation in the Mediterranean an area which till this very day poses the greatest threats to European security and stability. |
| For us, placed as we are at the centre of this | troubled sea, we feel that it is our duty to find a way to help bring about peace and tranquillity in the Mediterranean. In this context we have been very supportive of the European Union's initiative in the launching of the Euro-Med process. We have also been involved in other initiatives aimed at enhancing security and cooperation in the Mediterranean, including the initiative to establish a Stability Pact for the Mediterranean. |
| On the commercial front, we are pleased to note | that, in spite of the distance between our countries, trade and other exchanges have increased in recent years. |
| Malta can offer exciting prospects to Irish | entrepreneurs through our hubbing potential in the region ? extending to North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf and indeed even towards certain Southern European countries. |
| Taoiseach, in conclusion, I express the hope that | the discussions will lead to closer co-operation between our two countries, for the mutual benefit of our peoples. May I also express the hope for a common future for our two nations, both within a European context, as well as at a bilateral level. |
| May I now ask you to rise and toast the health of | the Taoiseach. |
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