FOREIGN MINISTER IN ROME FOR TALKS

Foreign Minister Joe Borg this morning met with the Minister of Defence of Italy, H.E. Antonio Martino, at the Ministry of Defence in Rome. A ceremony was held to mark the completion of the first training course of a platoon from the Armed Forces of Malta by the Italian Army, within the context of the development of the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force. Foreign Minister Joe Borg handed a letter from the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Malta, Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami, addressed to the Italian Defence Minister, in which appreciation was expressed for the co-operation extended by Italy towards this end.

It will be recalled that, in line with its Constitutional provisions and given the arrangements contemplated by both the Cologne and Helsinki European Councils, Malta had decided to participate in the evolution of the EU’s security and defence component through participation in the Rapid Reaction Force in humanitarian and rescue operations, in conjunction with Italy.

During the meeting, Minister Joe Borg expressed great satisfaction at the contribution that the Italian Military Mission based in Malta had given over the years to training in key areas, including search and rescue. He also recalled the training of a number of officers and AFM personnel in a number of military academies.

The two Ministers also had the opportunity to discuss a number of other issues relating to Italo-Maltese co-operation.

The Minister was accompanied by Malta’s Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Dr. Joseph Cassar, and Mrs. Cecilia Attard Pirotta, Director Bilateral Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Joe Borg is expected to return to Malta later this evening.