Accra
Your Excellency, President Nana Akufo-Addo
Members of the press and media,
I wish to begin by thanking HE, the President, and his staff for the warm welcome given to me and my delegation, as well as for the excellent discussions we just held.
This is my first visit to Ghana, during which Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, responsible for Youth, Research and Innovation, is accompanying me to represent the Government.
I am sure that this visit, as other visits before it, will constitute a landmark in the way our two countries can learn more about each other’s realities. Above all, it will further consolidate our shared vision and common goals.
Before moving to the detail of my address, I wish to congratulate Ghana and its people on celebrating their National Day on 6 March, and also wish Ghana all the best for hosting the 13th African Games. I wish the best of luck to the Ghanaian contingent.
This State Visit comes at a very significant moment seeing that this year marks the fiftieth anniversary since our two countries established diplomatic relations in 1974.
Since then, Malta and Ghana have enjoyed strong, long-standing bilateral relations, cemented by various high-level visits over the years and the signing of numerous Agreements and MoUs focusing on various sectors.
The opening of diplomatic missions in the respective capitals is a testament to this. The decision of the Maltese Government to open its first sub-Saharan diplomatic representation in Ghana highlights the significant importance that Malta places on the future relations between our two countries. It also complements Malta’s desire to enhance relations and partnership with individual African countries through our African Strategy.
There are several positive results to speak of on the bilateral level.
A Joint Commission has been set up to implement progress in all areas of mutual interest. I am aware that several texts are being negotiated in useful fields such as higher education, air services, migration and the hospitality sectors to mention a few.
We will continue to strive and push for meaningful and tangible cooperation with Ghana, not only at the political level but also through the facilitation of exchanges between the Maltese and Ghanaian private sectors and civil society.
There is ample interest on both sides to further expand our relations and our collaboration in various sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries, financial services, tourism and culture, climate change and environment, pharmaceuticals.
We also hope that our cooperation will lead to further meaningful exchanges that create opportunities for young people in Ghana, through education, training and upskilling.
Malta is willing to create further opportunities for Ghanaian citizens to study, specialize or upskill at higher educational institutions in Malta, such as the University of Malta, the Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology, the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, the Institute for Tourism Studies and the International Maritime Law Institute.
Moving on to regional cooperation, Malta remains an ardent and active supporter of the positive and constructive relationship between Ghana and the European Union.
We will continue to be vocal in our support, and call for deeper and broader cooperation between the two parties to enhance peace, security and prosperity in the region and globally.
The interim Economic Partnership Agreement between Ghana and the EU made it easier for people to trade and do business with each other and we hope that it would lead to the country’s further integration into global value chains.
From a wider perspective, West Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the EU is West Africa’s largest trading partner. There is a considerable possibility for strengthening trade relations that have, up to now, existed between the EU and ECOWAS, which both Ghana and Malta can successfully tap.
Mindful of existing and emerging security threats, which are taking shape primarily, but not only, in the Sahel region, it is important that our dialogue on political and security issues between regional organisations continues to be enhanced.
Migration is another issue that interests both our countries.
Malta remains concerned by the current migratory pressure from the Central Mediterranean Route. The route has seen a significant increase in irregular flows since 2020.
We continue to underline that the root causes of irregular migration should be addressed in a comprehensive and holistic manner as this would mitigate reasons for displacements while sustaining economic and social development in countries of origin.
Implementation of the UN Global Compacts for Migration and on Refugees is key to any durable solution.
Both Malta and Ghana are like-minded and firm believers in effective multilateral diplomacy, with excellent records on regional and international levels.
I take this occasion to underline Malta’s commitment to the maximisation of the potential that exists within the Commonwealth family of Nations, of which both Malta and Ghana are active members.
The Commonwealth should not only remind us of our past, and of elements of the heritage which we share in common, but the Commonwealth has all the potential, to be a powerful platform for future sharing, connection, and ongoing dialogue, also through its diversity.
Incidentally, upon the invitation of Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland, I will be flying to London directly from Accra, to attend the celebrations being organised to celebrate the Commonwealth Day on 11 March.
I congratulate Ghana on its successful election to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2024-2026, and also extend my praise for its leadership in regional security matters and for successfully hosting the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held last December.
I also take this occasion to commend Ghana on its work during its tenure on the UN Security Council during the years 2022-2023 and look forward to continuing our cooperation and working constructively together in various areas of mutual concern.
Malta is also standing up to be counted at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2023-2024 and has, since January, also accepted the request to assume the Chairpersonship responsibilities of the Organisation for Security and cooperation in Europe for the year 2024.
These is a very difficult juncture for the international community as the rules-based order we have been striving to build respect for these past decades, is being constantly put to the test.
In fulfilling its onerous duties and responsibilities Malta will be putting its best capabilities and qualities to meet this arduous challenge.
International and moral pressure continues to mount to address two very troubling wars in our Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods – specifically in Ukraine and Gaza.
It is our ultimate hope that a just peace will ultimately prevail and that millions of innocent civilians, especially women and children, are spared their lives.
I conclude by reiterating my gratitude to H.E. President Nana Akuffo-Addo for the welcome extended to me and the whole delegation, and for the fruitful and productive discussions we held.
I am confident that Ghana and Malta will continue to have the best relations possible in the years to come, in the interest of peace and stability in our respective regions and beyond.
Thank you.