Malta participates in the OIC – EU Forum

The Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the OIC Member and Observer Countries and the EU Member and Candidate Countries came together, on 12-13 February 2002, for a Joint Forum in Istanbul at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Turkey, to share their assessments of the world's present political situation and to promote understanding and harmony among civilizations. During the said meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, who was accompanying the Prime Minister on an official visit to Rome, was represented by H.E. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Ambassador Alfred Zarb.

At the end of the Joint-Forum a Press Release was issued in which participants expressed that the tragic events of September 11^th, and their repercussions have shown the need to strengthen tolerance and understanding among different cultures to avoid reappearance of deeply rooted prejudices that can surface. The Joint Press release also states that "The horrifying attacks of September 11th are purely brutal acts of terrorism and they cannot be explained or justified for religious, cultural or any other reasons whatsoever. "

The Joint Forum also discussed the situation in the Middle East and "underlined that for peace, stability and harmony to prevail, the Middle East conflict must be settled in a just and comprehensive manner and in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. In this context, the "two state" solution will contribute to bring peace and security to the peoples concerned".

H.E. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Ambassador Zarb returned to Malta yesterday.