PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS “The medical sector is one area in which Malta and Palestine could intensify their cooperation through capacity-building initiatives” – Minister Chris Fearne

The Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Chris Fearne, met the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, in Brussels on the eve of the Palestine Donor Group meeting.

Both sides agreed to identify areas where cooperation could be intensified, such as through capacity-building initiatives in the medical sphere and also cultural exchanges.

Minister Chris Fearne recalled Malta’s steadfast support for Palestine over the years, culminating in the recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025, and the continued support for the Two-State solution in different fora, including within the UN and the EU. Minister Fearne also added that Malta remains unequivocal in its opposition to forced displacements of Palestinians in any shape or form. 

Minister Fearne also highlighted the importance of the ongoing reforms the Palestinian Authority is implementing and encouraged the Palestinian Prime Minister to continue this effort, particularly in view of the upcoming elections.

Prime Minister Mustafa recalled the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank and the current economic challenges that the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people are facing due to the ongoing crisis. Prime Minister Mustafa called on the European Union to provide emergency budget support to weather the current crisis caused by withheld revenues and banking restrictions.