PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM Foreign Ministry launches new regional policy for stronger ties with Gulf countries

Zachary Borg appointed Malta's first Envoy for the Gulf

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism launched Malta's Regional Framework Policy for the Gulf Region, providing a strategic approach to deepen diplomatic, political, economic, and cultural ties with countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the broader Gulf region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, announced the Policy during a discussion with University of Malta students, in collaboration with the University's Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Arts, earlier this week.

“We acknowledge the Gulf's growing role as a hub of economic growth and a centre for global dialogue, and through this policy we aim to create cooperation that is genuinely mutually beneficial, and not just for businesses or institutions, but also for our citizens, for workers, students, families, and communities, who stand to gain most from greater connectivity and opportunity," Dr Borg explained.

Commenting on the new Policy, University of Malta Pro-Rector Professor Carmen Sammut noted that the University has long-standing collaborations in the Gulf.

“Many students from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries choose Malta to study medicine, dentistry and other areas, and when they return home, their Maltese education is highly respected. Malta's new Regional Policy for the Gulf aligns with the University's efforts in this direction, and we hope that it will open more opportunities in the future," Professor Sammut said.

The new Framework Regional Policy is built on the principles of neutrality, dialogue and respect for international law, with a dynamic and responsive approach, evolving with the realities of a rapidly changing region. It aims to strengthen Malta's bilateral and multilateral relations with the Gulf region, to unlock new avenues for cooperation, and to address common challenges such as climate change, energy security, and regional stability. The policy also outlines several areas with the potential for new collaborations, such as trade, renewable energy, technology, education, connectivity and cultural exchanges.

To continue enhancing trade and investment with the Gulf, and to build on the momentum of the vital work of Malta's embassies in this region, Zachary Borg has recently been appointed Malta's first Envoy for the Gulf. In this role, he will focus on promoting engagement in different sectors of interest, while advancing the interests of Maltese companies in the Region.

'Malta and the Gulf – Regional Framework Policy' is available at https://foreign.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GulfFrameworkPolicy-2025.pdf