PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER Speaker Carmelo Abela meets Ambassadors of the Slovak Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carmelo Abela, today met with the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Malta, Peter Kmec, and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malta, Anke J. ter Hoeve-van Heek, at the Parliament of Malta.

The Speaker welcomed Ambassador Kmec and emphasised the importance of further strengthening Malta–Slovakia relations, particularly through closer parliamentary cooperation. He highlighted the potential for increased exchanges between the Maltese Parliament and the National Council of the Slovak Republic, including contacts between parliamentary committees and friendship groups, as well as the exchange of experience on parliamentary procedure, legislative scrutiny and European affairs.

The meeting also covered the political and parliamentary situations in both countries, as well as the challenges posed by irregular migration. They also discussed the need to assess the possibility of regular migration pathways that could contribute to sustaining economies.

Welcoming Ambassador ter Hoeve-van Heek noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and the Netherlands. The Speaker underlined the importance of maintaining regular contact between the two Parliaments and, where appropriate, coordinating positions on issues of shared concern and exchanging good practices.

The Speaker also stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue in addressing regional and international challenges, particularly as a means of creating space and opportunities for peaceful solutions. The discussion further touched on the importance of strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations, particularly in view of Malta’s and the Netherlands’ respective upcoming Presidencies of the Council of the European Union.

The Speaker and the Ambassadors also exchanged views on matters of common European interests and the importance of cooperation among EU Member States.