PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Courtesy call by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset

President Myriam Spiteri Debono hosted the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset for a courtesy meeting at the San Anton Palace.

During the meeting, themes central to Malta's Presidency of the Council of Europe between this May and November were discussed, including the participation of youth in democracy, childrens' rights, equality and domestic violence.

The President emphasised that Malta was always guided by its Constitutional principles and values to work for peace, unity and stability. These values, along with human rights, will be given the necessary importance during Malta's upcoming Presidency.

On his behalf, Secretary General Berset declared that Malta will hold the Presidency during an opportune moment when Europe and the world are facing global crises that threaten the stability of their citizens. He added that this mission should not only be limited to Malta's Presidency of the Council of Europe, but should also be applicable for successive presidencies, so that future generations can reap the benefits of this work.

The President also pointed out that for the past nine years, Malta retained the top position in the ILGA index for the rights of persons of different sexual orientation.

During the meeting, the President was accompanied by Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe Francesca Camilleri, the Director for International Development and Economic Affairs within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Alberta Borg, the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the President Reuben Sciberras, senior diplomatic officer Darren Camilleri, senior Aide de Camp Major Richard Vassallo and Private Secretary Christian Vella Masini.