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Speech by H.E. Prof. Guido de Marco President of Malta to H.E. Erwin Teufel Minister-President of Land Baden-Württemberg - Stuttgart, Wednesday, 7th November, 2001
pr1649
07/11/2001
07/11/2001
Herr Minister-President,
| This meeting of ours is the highlight of the first | lap of my State Visit to the Federal Republic of Germany. |
| During the past two days, I had the opportunity to | admire and experience the natural and cultural heritage of this State. It has been both highly indicative and useful. |
| I delivered a lecture at the University of | Heidelberg, the oldest University in Germany and an academic institution of excellence, and visited the world-famous landmark of Heidelberg Castle. Yesterday evening, together with my wife, I assisted a magnificent ballet representation at the State Theatre. |
| At the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, I | highlighted Malta’s credentials as a stable and reliable partner for German investors, and saw for myself the technology, creativity and commitment of one such company, owned by Dr Victor Dulger, that invested profitably in Malta. |
| The impressive premises of Daimler-Chrysler, which I | visited earlier today, demonstrate the success of commitment to quality and quantity, to service and excellence. |
| And I am meeting the highest political authorities of | Baden-Württemberg – one of the major Federal States. |
| For me, as for the rest of my delegation, this was a | unique opportunity to value the hospitality of your land and your people. |
| I carry a message of friendship and cooperation. I | carry a message that the Federal Republic, especially your State, has responded to in a positive manner. |
Malta seeks to further its interests in partnership. We offer windows of opportunity onto markets in the Mediterranean thanks to our decades-old experience and attention in dealing with the particular needs and necessities of our region.
| We sell geography. At the center of the Mediterranean | Sea, we have an ancient history that has made of our archipelago a crossroad of peoples, of trade, of cultures. We value this heritage. We build, upon this heritage, a knowledge and an understanding that textbooks do not offer. |
| Having a deeply-rooted European identity, we find | here in Baden-Württemberg similar roots, similar aspirations. Within the span of half a century, the social and economic landscape of your state has been radically improved, thanks to the energy and efforts of your people, thanks to the vision of the political establishment that sought and pursued new avenues and means of cooperation in an ever changing globalised economy. You were able to create an affluent society whilst not forgetting social concerns within a society in constant change. Your State is an embodiment of the emerging realities of Europe: a diverse, multicultural, generally prosperous, and inclusive society. |
| We recognise in these factors our political vision | for the future as well. Democracy and political stability, solidarity, justice and freedom: these are the values that unite us in purpose and conviction. These are the values upon which we are building a common future. |
| The Government of Malta is currently well advanced in | the negotiations with the European Union, and expects to join the Union in the next enlargement – a decision that ultimately rests with the sovereign and democratic will of the people of Malta. My Government believes that Malta in the European Union provides further stimulus to the political and economic aspects of Europe’s Mediterranean dimension. |
Your Excellency,
| The Mediterranean region offers many a challenge. A | sea of civilisation, events in history have contrived to create circumstances of friction and division. My country has been among the first and most consistent members of the international community to highlight the necessity to seriously address issues of security and stability in our region. We continue to do so in the belief that this region holds the key to many critical issues rising to the attention of the international community. |
| We maintain the necessity of adopting policies which | enhance dialogue between opposing littorals of the Mediterranean, in order to avert further incomprehension and misunderstanding, to avert further strife and tension. Through specific confidence-building measures, through regional partnerships, we maintain the necessity to enhance the climate of peace and stability, providing the right environment for the development of trade and commerce. |
| We maintain the need for justice and security in the | Middle East, supporting the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the right for recognised frontiers and security of the State of Israel. In trying to solve the problems that exist, we are aiding to tap and value the great potential of this region. The Mediterranean offers many a challenge, but it is also a Sea of opportunities. |
| Several have been the initiatives undertaken at | various levels from Baden-Württemberg aimed at helping in a number of ways the people of the Middle East. These initiatives are tangible testimony to your solidarity and friendship, and your understanding of the problems facing the region. This active engagement of yours adds to the relevance of the international dimension of Baden-Württemberg. |
| In economic and political terms, in a bilateral and | international context, Malta and the State of Baden-Württemberg have managed to create a particular linkage. Ours is a unity of purpose and ideals, of direction and commitment. This visit of mine reinforces our bonds and our understanding. |
| Tomorrow I leave for Berlin to continue on my State | Visit. I will carry with me a very positive impression of this people and this land. In thanking you, Excellency, for your warm welcome and kind hospitality, I wish you and your colleagues success in your endeavours, and auspicate an ever greater and mutually beneficial cooperation between Malta and the State of Baden-Württemberg. |
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