Go Back
Farewell call on Dr. George Vella
PR1977
15/10/1997
15/10/1997
| H.E. Andre Onkelinx, outgoing Ambassador of Belgium, paid a | farewell visit on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. George W. Vella. |
| Dr. Vella briefed Mr. Onkelinx about the recent developments in | Malta - EU relations, underlining the fact that the Maltese Government wants the closest relations possible, short of full membership. The Deputy Prime Minister also said that following his recent trip to Strasbourg, he can confirm that several countries now understand very clearly Malta's position and have pledged their support to the Government's policy. |
| Dr. Vella told Mr. Onkelinx that Malta's objective is primarily to | establish a free trade area which would facilitate Malta's economy and commerce. He said that the economic and financial situation of Malta when this administration took power was much worse than the nice picture which the previous Government was giving to the EU. In fact, during the meetings Dr. Vella had in Strasbourg, several countries expressed surprise that Malta's deficit was four times than that which the previous administration had claimed. |
| Mr. Onkelinx said he understands perfectly well Malta's position | and agrees that the country was not yet prepared for full membership. |
| Mr. Onkelinx said that the Belgian Foreign Minister, Mr. Eric | Derycke, is ready to meet Dr. George W. Vella on his next visit to Brussels, to discuss primarily the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries. |
Share this Press Release
Other Press Releases:
PR261902
STQARRIJA MILL-UFFIĊĊJU TAL-PRIM MINISTRU “Ejjew flimkien inkunu ta’ salva...
PR261901
STQARRIJA MILL-MINISTERU GĦALL-ARTI, IL-KULTURA U L-WIRT NAZZJONALI Rekord...
