LAUNCHING OF NEW MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS WEBSITE www.foreign.gov.mt

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Joe Borg, this morning launched the new web-site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the brief outline of the new features incorporated into the new web-site, the Minister highlighted the following points:

New Features:–

1. Database approach

The new website follows a database approach, which in many instances enables the search for information to be more specific and more easily available. Use of databases also facilitates and shortens the process of data updating. These improvements further enhance the institutional memory of the Ministry.

2. Services to the Public

In line with the guidelines of the Quality Service Charter wherein particular attention is given to the upgrading of services offered to the general public, there is a specific section in the new website, listing those services provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This enables the efficient retrieval of information on scholarships, visa application procedures, legalisation procedures, and information on dual citizenship.

3. Corporate Image (Embassies on line)

Over the past year the Ministry has embarked on the creation of a corporate e-image of Malta. Specific "corporate identity" design and information modules are therefore being developed for all our Missions abroad. To date 3 Missions have such corporate sites.

    4.   More detailed focus on the substance of Foreign Policy

 A more detailed focus has been given to the Foreign Policy objectives of the Ministry, namely on the following:-

European Union

Mediterranean policy

Bilateral relations, and

Multilateral affairs

     5.  Maltese Communities

A specific section has been included for Maltese Communities residing abroad, launched further to the holding of the Convention of the Association of Maltese Communities in January 2000. This is also a reflection of a new unit within the Ministry to deal with Maltese Communities and to create strengthened links between Malta and Maltese Communities abroad.

      6.  Legal Database

A legal database, which has been developed by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, has been linked to the Ministry Website. This allows the general public, the diplomatic community and academics to easily access information on multilateral and bilateral treaties and agreements to which Malta is part of. Each record consists of the full text of a treaty plus a reference about the status of Maltese accession to the treaty: signed, ratified, with reservations, etc.

The website provides for detailed and specific information on activities both by this Ministry and other Ministries and Government departments which have a bearing on Foreign Policy.

Today many aspects of Government’s activities have a bearing on foreign policy. Whether in the field of the environment, industry, social policy, health or sustainable development, the ratification of international and regional conventions engages the Government structures in the ongoing development of international relations.

The database of speeches and press releases both by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Ministers and Government officials on a variety of subjects gives an overall picture of Malta’s involvement in international, regional and European organizations. A search engine which is subject specific is now available on the website to enable higher efficiency in the retrieval of specific information.