PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER: The Deputy Speaker of the Maltese Parliament participates in the 18th Conference of Presidents of Parliament of Small European States

Deputy Speaker David Agius participated in the 18th Conference of Presidents of Parliament of Small European States which was meeting in the Republic of Cyprus together with Speakers and Presidents of Parliament from Andorra, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, and San Marino.

The main topics included the “Participatory Democracy: Bringing Parliaments Closer to the Citizens", “Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices for Parliaments of Small States," and the third and final theme of the Conference focused on: “Small states in turbulent times of global instability". In his address, Deputy Speaker Agius reflected on the unprecedented challenges the world has witnessed in recent years. He drew particular attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, underlining the urgent need for greater collective efforts to foster peace.

He noted that Malta stands as a powerful example that a nation's influence is not determined solely by its boundaries and size, but also by its commitments to peace and stability. In this regard, he recalled Malta's chairmanship of the UN Security Council, its assumption of the OSCE Presidency during a period of geopolitical tension, and its current Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers.

Deputy Speaker Agius underlined that in today's world, the suffering of one nation affects the stability of all. For this reason, he called on small states to stand together in turbulent times, noting that through collaboration and unity, they can emerge stronger and more united than before.

Led by the President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, Annita Demetriou, Agius and the other Presidents of Parliament attending the conference also visited the old walled city of Nicosia, along the ceasefire line. The visit underscored their support for ongoing efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

Deputy Speaker David Agius also held separate meetings in the margins of the conference with Cypriot Members of Parliament.

The Conference of Presidents of Parliament of Small European States came to an end with the adoption of the final Declaration of the Conference.

The conference will be reconvening in 2026 in the Principality of Andorra.

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Photos: SPK