PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER Speaker of the House of Representatives participates in the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum in Ethiopia

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carmelo Abela, participated in the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between 10 and 11 July 2026, bringing together parliamentarians, policymakers and security experts to discuss pressing security challenges facing the African continent and the wider international community.

During the Forum, Speaker Abela addressed two high-level sessions focusing on Africa's Priority Security Threats: The Role of Parliamentary Oversight and Energy Security, Critical Minerals and Strategic Competition. In his interventions, he emphasised the indispensable role of parliaments in ensuring democratic oversight of national security policies, safeguarding transparency and accountability, and promoting sustainable development. He underlined Malta's commitment to supporting African-led solutions to African challenges through strong partnerships based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. 

The Speaker also highlighted the strategic importance of Africa's critical mineral resources and renewable energy potential, stressing that international partnerships should promote local value creation, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth, while ensuring that energy security remains centred on improving access to energy for African communities.

On the margins of the Forum, Speaker Abela met with Congressman Robert Pittenger, the founder of the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum. Their discussions focused on the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global security challenges, strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing cooperation between legislators on issues of mutual concern.

Speaker Abela also held a fruitful bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives of Ethiopia, Tagesse Chaffo. The two Speakers reaffirmed the cordial relations between Malta and Ethiopia and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between their respective parliaments. They also exchanged views on regional developments, highlighting the importance of dialogue, peace and multilateral cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

Additionally, the Speaker met with the representatives of the European Parliament in Addis Ababa, Luca Di Preso and Francesco Frapiccini. During the meeting, both sides discussed the relationship between Malta and the European Parliament as well as the role of the EP Antenna Office in Ethiopia and the larger African region. The Speaker and the EP officials exchanged views on how to enhance the visibility of African representatives in Europe.

During his visit to Ethiopia, Speaker Abela was accompanied by Ambassador Joseph Cole, Advisor on International Relations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Dr Rita Bonello, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Malta in Addis Ababa.