Strategic Objectives of Maltas Foreign Policy Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Valletta 8 February 2006th

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Index Contents Foreword by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Strategic Objectives of Maltas foreign policy Page 3 4 - 27

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Foreword Maltas perspective in foreign policy stems from our own realities. We are a country which wholly forms part of Europe and wholly forms part of the Mediterranean. We are an island state. We attained sovereign statehood within living memory, after centuries of colonial rule. We are on a cultural frontier between Europe and North Africa, speaking a language which fuses Semitic and Romance. We are necessarily foreign trade oriented. Our foreign policy must reflect our realities and our Maltese and European values. These values fashion our positions in the world today: solidarity; respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights; a humanitarian approach; a propensity to giving. These are values which characterise our society and are historically firmly rooted in a millennial formation that has fashioned our value set and our way of life. They remain necessarily dynamic. The context, but not the essence, of all these elements has now changed with Maltas membership of the European Union. This new context provides us with new challenges which require new approaches. Membership of the European Union places us firmly within the historical process of the construction of a post-Cold War united Europe. It frees the mind from the constraints of a small territory and provides our citizens with a continent in which they can, by right, travel, study, work and reside. It provides us with the tools to influence decision-making in European policies including common foreign and security policy and therefore enables us to strengthen our relevance and enhance our weight in international affairs in all contexts, regional, bilateral, multilateral and global. Strength and relevance in a multilateral and/or regional context feeds strength and relevance in bilateral relations and vice-versa. The formulation of Strategic Objectives of Maltas Foreign Policy must therefore be seen within the context of the new reality of membership of the European Union and, equally, within the reality of a globalised world economy, increased competition, new emerging markets and industrial powerhouses, a defunct Cold War paradigm, a reform and review of the United Nations Organisation, the emergence of terrorism as a global threat, religious fundamentalism and the rise of illegal immigration. Malta must be supple and fast to adjust to these new realities. It must be proactive internationally retaining a definite and clear focus. This document purports to be a framework document which sets out the general lines of the Strategic Objectives of Maltas Foreign Policy. It is a dynamic document which is meant to serve as a guiding framework for our political action in international affairs which must be open to review, updating and revision in the light of changing circumstances. The Strategic Objectives in the document are not listed in an order of precedence. The document will be the basis for a rolling action plan for the implementation of these objectives. In turn this action plan will serve as the basis for structured planning for Maltas Embassies and also its Consular networks.

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Dr. Michael Frendo Minister of Foreign Affairs

Strategic Objectives of Maltas Foreign Policy1. Harness Maltas geopolitical relevance to maximise political and economic benefits 2. Make a success of European Union membership and contribute towards the construction of a European Union which gives added value to its member states and its citizens 3. Strengthen Maltas bilateral relations, in particular relations with its immediate neighbours 4. Maintain a special focus on furthering dialogue, peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean and the Middle East 5. Promote Maltas relationship with existing and emerging major economies 6. Seek maximisation of multisectoral benefits from Maltas international network of embassies and consulates 7. Address holistically the international aspects of illegal immigration 8. Actively contribute to further development and good governance within the Commonwealth 9. Network effectively with the Maltese abroad 10. Promote stronger political and economic relations with the countries of Maltese Migration 11. Promote Maltese culture and identity internationally 12. Promote Malta as a location of international dialogue and scholarship 13. Work with the International Community to defeat terrorism and extremism 14. Promote democratisation and further respect for the rule of law and human rights 15. Promote respect of the international rule of law and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict 16. Maintain a special focus on issues relating to the Sea 17. Support a just regulation of international commerce and promote Maltas interests with regard to the challenges of globalisation

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18. Elaborate and action a Policy and Work Programme of humanitarian and development assistance, based on the value of solidarity 19. Address other current global issues of concern to Malta 20. Maintain a dynamic organisational structure that can meet these objectives 1. Harness Maltas geopolitical relevance to maximise political and economic benefits

Geographic location, history, culture and economic relations are principal elements which have determined Maltas geopolitical relevance as a European and Mediterranean island State over the ages. Maltas membership of the European Union has strengthened its geopolitical relevance providing it with the opportunity to exploit this newly found strength to maximise political and economic benefits. With European Union membership, Maltas cultural versatility acquires greater meaning and value in bettering dialogue and cooperation in the Mediterranean Region. As a small country and a historic meeting place for reconciliation and dialogue, Malta seeks to project the European Unions friendly face towards its neighbours to the South of the Mediterranean. Inversely, as a country with a closeness and understanding of its southern neighbours and the Arab World, Malta seeks to be a trusted interlocutor, and a voice sensitive to their realities within the European Union. In the context of the European Unions Common Foreign and Security Policy Maltas characteristics are particularly valuable to enhance understanding and stability in a region that remains potentially turbulent. Maltas membership of the European Union not only further strengthens its relevance in international affairs, but also adds significant value to Maltas bilateral relations in general. Its participation in the decision-making process in the European Union is of significant importance in this context, particularly with regard to the opportunity to add value to Maltas bilateral relations with those states which have a political and economic relationship with the European Union. Strength and relevance in a multilateral and/or regional context feeds strength and relevance in bilateral relations and vice versa. Furthermore, Maltas strategic position in the Mediterranean and its close and friendly relations with its immediate neighbouring countries continue to provide it with opportunities for trade and investment in both directions. Membership of the European Union also places Malta firmly inside the single European market. It also gives Malta guaranteed participation in a plethora of trade agreements including agreements giving greater access to North African and Middle Eastern markets. Maltas foreign policy is directed at ensuring strong and stable relations with such countries, particularly our neighbours and, in partnership with the private sector and relevant government agencies, to further all existing opportunities to maximise the potential for trade and investment. In this regard, Maltas foreign policy seeks to be a catalyst in the creation and in the furthering of business opportunities to draw foreign direct investment to Malta and to provide the private sector with more opportunitiesPage 5 of 27

for business networking and for export of goods and services. Seeking to match close political relations with business promotion, trade and investment is an important element of this strategic objective.

Maltas foreign policy is furthermore directed at also exploiting other new opportunities which have arisen from the new context of European Union membership and the increased visibility it has given to Malta. These opportunities are particularly present in new emerging major economies such as India and China. In harnessing Maltas geo-political relevance to maximise economic benefits, Maltas foreign policy seeks to position Malta as the dual gateway for business in Africa and the Middle East, and in the single European Market. This strategy is directed both to countries in Maltas vicinity, as well as towards those more distant countries that are increasingly active in the markets of the European Union.

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2.

Make a success of European Union Membership and contribute towards the construction of a European Union which gives added value to its member states and its citizens

Malta will continue to pursue active and effective participation in the European Unions decision-making processes raising its profile, relevance and credibility. Malta will proactively participate in European Union decisions, policy and lawmaking. Malta will continue to ensure that important matters of national interest are raised high on the European Union Agenda while continuing to be a team-player in the day-to-day construction of a strong European Union built on a culture of consensus and compromise. In this context, Forum Malta fl-Ewropa will act as a point of reference on EU-Malta relations for civil society and for citizens, serving also as governments consultative mechanism with civil society on EU-related issues and a platform to discuss new ideas and initiatives with the aim of bringing the European Union closer to its citizens on the national level. The Forum will also offer support to civil society and citizens in relation to access to EU funding mechanisms and programmes seeking a wider tapping of these new resources. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue its engagement with regard to financial perspectives and to the continued flexibility of use of financial resources, particularly for newly-acceded states, and to the reform of the EU budgetary structure, and to the consideration of Maltas specificities arising from its island status and peripherality. Malta will closely support future enlargement of the European Union within the parameters set by the Treaties, the Copenhagen criteria and in accordance with an appropriate pace of successful absorption in the interests of a strong, well-integrated European Union and peace and stability in Europe. In this regard, subject to these considerations, Malta views the further enlargement of the Union as an impetus for the creation of a wider European area of peace, stability, democracy and human rights dedicated to the prosperity of its peoples in a spirit of solidarity. Malta supports the European Union as a promoter of peace and cooperation. This is the case with regards to the framework for wider cooperation provided by the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It will continue to give its active and dynamic contribution to the success of these policies. The expansion of political rights and political participation is an essential dimension of the broader strategy to combat extremism in its different manifestations around the world.

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Malta welcomes the intensifying transatlantic engagement and, especially in the Middle East, believes such partnership as crucial for achieving peace, stability and home-grown economic, social and political reform in the region. Malta will further European Union cooperation with the African Union and support developments that will further reinforce the many peace-keeping, humanitarian relief and reconciliation efforts currently under way in many parts of the African continent. Malta will also work towards an enhanced relationship between the European Union and the Arab League, promoting that dialogue in the common interest of all parties. Malta is committed to a successful European Union and considers this to be also a measure of its own success.

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3.

Strengthen Maltas bilateral relations, in particular relations with its immediate neighbours

Bilateral relations remain essential to Maltas foreign policy. Bilateral diplomacy remains the most vital tool for states to communicate with one another. In its bilateral relations, Malta will continue to take into account and, where appropriate or required, follow European Union positions on international issues. Bilateral diplomacy is also crucial within the EU as Common European Positions are the end result of positions taken in the capitals of Member States. Malta will continue to participate actively in this procedure which aids the gradual emergence of common positions taking account of particular interests of individual member or affected states. Malta will also continue to work to strengthen bilateral relations particularly in Europe and in the Mediterranean and with other countries with whom relations are strategic and/or historic. Malta will also develop a special focus on the economic potential of the Central Mediterranean Area.

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4.

Maintain a special focus on furthering dialogue, peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean and the Middle East

Malta will continue to play a proactive role in the promotion of peace and stability in the Mediterranean with the aim of continuing to improve the regions prospects for peace and prosperity and the modular ongoing creation of a Euro-Mediterranean area of free trade, investment and stability based on respect for democratic values and the rule of law. Malta will put its longstanding commitment to, and understanding of, the Mediterranean region to the formulation and adoption of European Union positions. European and Mediterranean security are firmly connected Malta has always insisted on this link. Malta will continue to further the strengthening of various Mediterranean and Euro-Mediterranean fora, both intergovernmental and parliamentary. In particular, Malta will continue to promote the Western Mediterranean Dialogue (Five plus Five), the Mediterranean Forum, the EuroMediterranean Barcelona Partnership, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. As it has done consistently for decades, Malta will continue to pursue and support the policy of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting confidence and dialogue between the parties involved in the Middle East Peace Process in the context of the Quartets Roadmap endorsed by both sides. Malta supports the renewed momentum for peace marked by the disengagement by Israel from occupied territories in Gaza and parts of the West Bank. Malta fully endorses the ultimate objective of the existence of two neighbouring, viable and sovereign states, living in peace and security. Malta firmly opposes any statement calling for the obliteration of Israel. Malta intends to maintain the role of rapporteur of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People serving as a voice of moderation and emphasising the importance of the United Nations as a multilateral forum for peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for the international rule of law. Malta welcomes Iraqs political transition in line with the United Nations Resolutions and the European Unions Conclusions and supports all efforts towards peace and stability in the Middle Eastern region.

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5.

Promote Maltas relationship with existing and emerging major economies

Malta will continue to tie investment and trade activity to its diplomatic work with the aim of developing its embassies and consulates into a robust global network which will contribute to the wider effort to bring overseas investment into Malta and create opportunities for export of Maltese goods and services. Malta will seek to strengthen and promote relations with existing and emerging major economies, with the aim of increasing the presence of Maltas goods and services in these markets and attracting inward investment to Malta. Efforts will focus on consolidating Maltas economic and political relationships with existing economies such as the United States and other European Union member states, but also targeting new and emerging economies such India, China, Brazil and South Africa.

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6.

Seek maximisation of multisectoral benefits from Maltas International Network of embassies and consulates

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with its international network of embassies and consulates, will continue to contribute to the wider effort to bring overseas investment into Malta, increase the export of Maltese goods and services, promote tourism, financial and maritime services, and commerce in general, coordinating closely with the relevant government agencies to ensure a common focus on the immediate and long-term goals of Maltas economic development in view of developing trends and business opportunities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also utilise more effectively its consulates spread around the world for the promotion of trade and investment putting them to the service of Maltese entrepreneurs in the process of seeking new markets for Maltese products and services abroad. In the multilateral and European Union context, the Ministry will seek to tap opportunities for international service and assignments for Maltese nationals, consultancies and businesses. Expand and improve Maltas consular network The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to invest in the provision of consular services internationally, expanding the consular network to provide Maltese citizens with a network of assistance in case of difficulty or distress. In this regard, Malta continues to support efforts within the EU for the coordination of the consular networks of member states to enhance the services and coverage for EU citizens.

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7.

Address holistically the international aspects of illegal immigration

Illegal immigration constitutes a serious concern for Malta which, at 1200 persons per square kilometre, represents one of the highest population densities in the world. Malta retains a strong and long standing commitment to help those who are in need of protection also in line with its millennial tradition of hospitality. Malta will respect its moral and legal duty to protect genuine refugees as well as those entitled to humanitarian assistance as provided by international humanitarian law. However, the rights of such groups must not be undermined by criminal international organisations which exploit their plight for illegal financial gain. Malta will continue to raise international awareness in the European Union and its Member States and in the international community as a whole, on illegal immigration and human trafficking and smuggling. It shall continue to call for effective action to combat illegal immigration in a holistic and thorough manner. Malta will continue to work towards resettlement of refugees and persons with valid humanitarian status and the repatriation and reintegration of illegal immigrants. Malta will also continue to support development action in the countries of origin, and increased development assistance for those countries that honour their international obligations to accept back illegal immigrants. In the context of the European Union, Malta will continue to seek more rigorous application of Article 13 of the Cotonou Agreement and related articles. Malta will also continue to seek increased policing of borders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall continue to pursue a proactive approach bilaterally and within the various Mediterranean fora in order to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with its Southern Mediterranean partners on this issue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will promote the need for countries of origin and transit to bear their responsibilities and to uphold the rule of law by a vigorous pursuit of clamping down on international criminal activity in human trafficking and smuggling. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek more active diplomatic engagement with countries from which illegal immigrants transit or originate.

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8.

Actively contribute to further development and good governance within the Commonwealth

Malta will carry out an increasingly active role in the Commonwealth with the aim of furthering development and good governance and enhancing the Commonwealths capacity to implement programmes and policies. Malta will continue to promote respect for the Harare Principles and respect for democratic legitimacy and the rule of law. Maltas hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2005 and the first preparatory Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting as well as Malta acting as chair-in-office until CHOGM 2007 provides the impetus for Maltas strong commitment to Commonwealth values and ideals in the coming years. Malta will intensely promote the effective use of the ICT fund and the reinvigorated CAPDD (Commonwealth Action Plan for the Digital Divide). In the coming years Malta will seek to continue to contribute to the effective implementation of the action plan to which it has already donated substantial funds and resources including COMNET-IT.

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9.

Network effectively with the Maltese abroad

The Maltese nation is larger than the citizens on Maltese territory. Malta must continue to strengthen its ties with people who are of Maltese descent, encouraging them to be the best of citizens in their countries of settlement. Consolidation of existing links between Malta and its overseas community is of mutual benefit. In partnership with associations, foundations and individuals alike, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to reinforce these contacts that link the Maltese community overseas by providing support for worthy initiatives that further Maltese cultural and national identity and also employ the diasporas reach in creating business opportunities for Malta.

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10.

Promote stronger political and economic relations with the countries of Maltese Migration

Maltese migration over the centuries has had a global spread, inter alia, reaching to North and South America, Europe, the Mediterranean Isles, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. The time is now mature for Malta to extend its focus from the welfare of the thousands of Maltese migrants settled in these regions to closer political and economic ties with the countries of Maltese migration notably Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, France and others. Already contributing to political and economic exchange, this link remains a catalyst source for future growth of trade and investment and closer political relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall also provide greater visibility of the Maltese identity of communities residing abroad and of the success stories of high achieving individuals.

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11.

Promote Maltese culture and identity internationally

Values, language, spiritual and civic convictions, traditions, family ties and behaviour patterns all nurture the sense of belonging to a particular national group. In a globalised world, and within the context of regional realities such as the European Union, national identity is naturally heightened and highlighted. The Maltese national experience in retaining identity, even when ruled by the most powerful, has been tried and tested successfully. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek to promote this identity, to create a greater visibility of Maltas rich and varied cultural, architectural and historical heritage.

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12.

Promote Malta as a location for international dialogue and scholarship

Malta is ideally placed to host international organisations and meetings. Its friendliness, stability, safe and secure environment provide a unique backdrop for constructive and forward-looking dialogue and debate. The experience of REMPEC (Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea), IMLI (International Maritime Law Institute), MEDAC (the Maltese-Swiss Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies) and the UN International Institute on Ageing, to mention four particular international entities already present in Malta, indicates Maltas attractiveness as a hosting location. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote Malta as a location for international dialogue and scholarship by continuing and strengthening its support for international organisations hosted in Malta with a view of attracting other international organisations and secretariats to be set up in Malta.

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13.

Work with the International Community to defeat terrorism and extremism

Malta will continue to work in close cooperation with the international community in the global effort to prevent and counter terrorist activity. Malta is committed to resist and eliminate this outrageous and horrific attack on the everyday order and serenity of life in any society and the right of ordinary citizens to a secure and peaceful life. Malta also condemns all terrorist acts. Malta supports steps to further intensify and expand those concrete actions which respond to the immediate concerns of citizens. The international communitys action against terrorism must be firm and decisive at all times. Apart from intensely pursuing terrorists and the groups or networks supporting terrorist activity, Malta believes that the root of the problem also lies in extremism and extremist organisations that have gained popular support by substituting the State where the State has been unable to provide an adequate social security safety net to its people. As a consequence, the poor and desperate conglomerate around extremist organisations, which may also practice terror. Malta will continue to further the policy of international action aimed at strengthening social security systems provided by the State, a policy it has successfully introduced in the Five Year Work Programme of the Euro-Mediterranean (Barcelona) Process agreed to in November 2005. Furthermore, one of the aims of elaborating a Policy of Development Assistance, in line with the Strategic Objectives of Maltas Foreign Policy (see objective 18), will be to contribute towards the reduction of poverty, social exclusion and injustice.

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14.

Promote democratisation and further respect for the rule of law and human rights

Malta will continue to support international action seeking to peacefully promote democratic legitimacy of leaders, respect for the rule of law, good governance and the respect of human rights. The creation of a world-wide culture of free and fair elections allowing people to express their will and elect their leader/s is a corollary of the fundamental freedoms of the individual and of the nation. Election monitoring is a contribution, on the ground, to legitimacy to governance which reflects the popular will. Malta has a substantive contribution to make to the international community in this field. Malta will seek to expand its participation in election monitoring missions worldwide with a special focus on the Mediterranean region, in particular in the execution of missions of the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and other international organisations. Longer term, and in line with the Strategic Objectives of Maltas Foreign Policy to promote Malta as a location for international dialogue and scholarship (see objective12), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek to create a centre of excellence for the training of election monitors, expanding on the training of diplomats for the Mediterranean region which has been taking place in Malta for many years.

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15.

Promote respect of the International Rule of Law and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict

The International Rule of law offers the best guarantee of peace and stability in relations between and within states. Malta will continue to promote respect of the International Rule of Law rather than the use of military force and action in the resolution of international conflicts and disputes world wide. Malta believes that the United Nations Organisation and its institutions and agencies must be the foundation of world peace and stability. Effective multilateralism, sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council, is necessary to ensure legitimisation of international action and to further coordination of efforts towards peace, prosperity and stability in the world today. Effective post-conflict peace-building constitutes an important dimension through which the international community can give practical expression to the notion of collective responsibility. Malta will promote the reinforcement of the capacity of the United Nations in the area of peace-keeping and peace-building particularly the civilian role of peace activities for example in deploying police forces and humanitarian assistance. Malta supports the UN Peace Commission Reform and will seek to contribute to its success.

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16.

Maintain a special focus on issues relating to the Sea

The legal principle providing that seabed resources beyond the territorial waters of any state are the Common Heritage of Mankind was first introduced by Malta at the United Nations in the 1960s. This was Maltas first international initiative and the term remains associated with Malta in numerous areas where its finds its application. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further Maltas participation in the furtherance of the Law of the Sea and its effective application globally. As a maritime nation, Malta will continue to develop systems and structures that will enable it to continue developing and sustaining a maritime technical and professional community that will serve to sustain its contribution to Europe-wide and, indeed, global discussion in the maritime sphere both within the International Maritime Organisation and the European Union. The International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), established at the University of Malta, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation, has for many years provided a place of learning for many. Malta will also actively contribute towards the European debate on the elaboration of a European Maritime Policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to cooperate closely with the relevant government agencies on all matters relating to international maritime issues in particular, the promotion of safe shipping and strong regulation on a global level.

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17.

Support a just regulation of international commerce and promote Maltas interests with regard to the challenges of globalisation

Malta recognises that the liberalisation of world trade can bring potential benefits to developed and developing countries alike and promote world economic growth. Nevertheless, we are also aware that this same process can cause economic disruption and hardship as individual economies or sectors of those economies seek to manage fundamental changes. As a member of the European Union, Malta will remain engaged with other Member States and the Commission with a view to securing both Maltese and the European Unions interests within the World Trade Organisation and its negotiating rounds. In so doing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to co-ordinate closely with other line Ministries concerned to secure Maltas specific interests and promote just and balanced policies that encourage worldwide economic growth.

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18.

Elaborate and Action a Policy and Work Programme of Humanitarian and Development Assistance, based on the value of solidarity

Malta will build on the experience it has achieved so far in providing Humanitarian Assistance required in the wake of natural disasters, based on the Maltese peoples sense of solidarity and generosity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to maintain a strong coordinating role in organising humanitarian assistance to distressed areas by setting up crisis centres in the emergency phase, coordinating NGO support and managing the process of selecting development assistance projects aimed at providing long term humanitarian and development assistance. The Ministry will continue to carry out this function in conjunction with the Civil Protection Department, concerned line Ministries and Government Agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organisations as required. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also elaborate a Policy of Humanitarian and Development Assistance to assist the poorest countries, particularly in sub-Saharan and the Horn of Africa, to achieve economic and social progress in these societies torn by structural economic disparities, poverty, unsafe water and poor sanitation. The Policy of Humanitarian and Development Assistance will be based on the notion of combating poverty through development and will envisage contributing towards ongoing initiatives at the international level, particularly the European Union as the worlds largest contributor to development aid, but it will also target specific actions and projects wherein Malta will seek in particular to put to international service its areas of expertise. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek to provide support to local Non-Governmental Organisations dedicated to humanitarian and development assistance. Where appropriate it will also seek collaboration with international NonGovernmental Organisations. Malta will continue to support its partners in the international community in strengthening the commitments towards increased and more effective development assistance in the coming years.

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19.

Address other current global issues of concern to Malta

Energy Security One of the challenges which Malta faces is securing reliable and affordable energy supplies. Malta will actively support international initiatives that will promote political and economic stability in the main producer countries, improve the climate for energy sector investment, encourage more openness and transparency in international energy markets and ensure the efficient and sustainable use of energy resources. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to strengthen its diplomatic ties with supplier and producer countries of crude oil and derived products and assist, as necessary, other Government Ministries, entities or agencies in the effort to engage in discussions with key energy players and to explore the options related to sourcing of energy and energy supplies. Climate Change Malta believes that the worlds natural environment must always be treated with respect. If handled responsibly, natures resources can improve peoples lives considerably. Malta will continue to uphold international initiatives that call for the sustainable development of the worlds natural environment, also following on its initiative for a UN Resolution in 1988 on the "Conservation of climate as part of the Common Heritage of Mankind". Malta is signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as the Kyoto Protocol. Malta will be particularly active in international efforts to halt and address global warming which is a major concern particularly to low-lying islands and small states including many Commonwealth countries. Ageing In 1968 Malta took the initiative to put the phenomenon of ageing on the United Nations agenda. Following the recommendations of the First World Assembly, Malta made a significant contribution towards the establishment in Malta of the International Institute on Ageing under the auspices of the United Nations. The Institute was inaugurated in April 1988. Through its continued financial support to the International Institute, Malta is demonstrating its commitment to a worldwide approach to meeting the challenges of ageing particularly in the field of training in development countries. In promoting the wellbeing of human kind, Malta will continue to emphasize the dignity and totality of the human person and the positive contribution that adult persons can make to the rest of society. Children

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Malta will continue to actively support the protection of the basic human rights of children in the world particularly as laid out in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child: the right to survival, to develop to the fullest, to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life. Malta will continue to support international actions and policies that respect the rights of the unborn child and will foster the best interests of children. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek a proactive engagement in the activities of UNICEF and other international bodies and initiatives dedicated to the welfare of children. Small States Malta will continue to highlight the need for the international community to focus on the special characteristics and needs of Small States. Malta will support international actions and policies that will aim to strengthen the resilience of Small States, in particular small Island States.

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20.

Maintain a dynamic organisational structure that can meet these objectives

The organisational structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to reflect the new realities of international relations today as well as Maltas needs and interests. On 13 October 2005 plans for the reorganisation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were announced including the setting up of two Directorates-General: one to tackle Political Affairs and one to deal with Economic and European Affairs. The aim of this reorganisation process is to improve the way in which the Ministry deals with issues in unilateral and multilateral fora and therefore to ensure a more effective implementation of Maltas Foreign Policy Objectives. The new structure will enable a better preparation, coordination and prioritisation of Maltas foreign policies at all levels internationally by presenting clear, constant and coherent positions. The new structure will seek to integrate policy making and provide for an integrated approach to horizontal issues endeavouring to provide creative thinking that address the challenges of today and of the future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall continue to strengthen Maltas Diplomatic Service and provide staff with opportunities for career progression. The reorganisation process will be periodically reviewed and updated in light of changing circumstances. Developing the skills, knowledge, competence and expertise of all staff continues to be central to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs performance as an organisation. Strengthening of the diplomatic service remains essential for greater efficiency in promoting Maltas interests and greater effectiveness in implementing these Strategic Objectives.

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