THE HON. JOE BORG, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MEETS WITH THE FIRST DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

H.E. Mr Alexander A. Avdeyev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Joe Borg, earlier this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the Ministers exchanged views on international issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East and the Balkans, and EU relations.

Malta's progress towards membership of the European Union was also discussed as well as other political developments taking place in the Union. Both Ministers discussed the useful role which neutral countries could play in furthering peaceful co-operation in Europe both within the OSCE and within the European security architecture. Minister Joe Borg underscored that Malta had already provisionally closed the chapter concerning this issue during accession negotiations with the European Union wherein the neutrality of Malta was clearly stated and recognized.

The Ministers also confirmed the usefulness of the technical committee composed of members from both Governments aimed as a forum to act as a clearing house for outstanding issues and also as a means of developing further co-operation between the two countries. The Ministers agreed on the need to maintain regular contact on both political and economic issues of mutual interest and benefit.

Minister Joe Borg reiterated his invitation to the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation to visit Malta in the foreseeable future.