Foreign Minister addresses Seminar for Consuls in Italy

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Environment, Dr. George W. Vella, this afternoon addressed a Seminar for all Consuls in Italy. The theme of the Seminar was "Sell Malta in Italy".

The Deputy Prime Minister gave an overview of the Malta Government's Foreign Policy especially where the European Union is concerned. He highlighted the Labour Government's commitment to reach an agreement with the European Union on the establishment of a Free Trade Area.

The Deputy Prime Minister also gave an outline of the present Government's Mediterranean Policy making special references to the Euro-Med process and particularly the establishment of a Euro-Med Parliamentary Forum within this process.

He then proceeded to give a more detailed picture of the friendly relations that exist between Malta and Italy.

The Deputy Prime Minister explained Government's plans in helping the restructuring process of Malta's Industrial Sector. He also emphasized the importance of attracting Italian investment in Malta including the establishment of Joint Ventures between Italian and Maltese entrepreneurs.

He concluded by emphasizing the Government's declared Policy towards the functions of the Maltese Missions abroad and the practical role that the Government expects Hon. Consuls to play in conjunction with Maltese representatives abroad in the implementation of the Maltese Labour Government's Policy.