Foreign minister visits Baltic states; New ambassador appointed
The current international financial crisis, the oil crisis and illegal migration were among the topics discussed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Estonian Prime Minister Mr Andrus Ansip during a meeting in Tallinn on Friday.
The migration pact and practical ways of how Estonia can ease the burden of illegal migration for Malta were discussed. Dr. Borg explained in detail the problems being faced by Malta due to the influx of irregular immigrants.
Dr Borg also met Foreign Affairs Minister Urmas Paet. Items on the agenda included the facilitation of air links between the two countries and the promotion of tourism. Both sides agreed that the potential of increasing tourism, investment and cultural exhanges between the two countries exists and it should be exploited further.
Dr Borg also invited Minister Paet to promote Smartcity Malta with IT companies in Estonia. A brief on the state of Malta’s economy was also given.
Once again during this meeting, Dr Borg emphasised on the problems Malta is currently facing with illegal migration. The list of countries who helped Malta so far was presented. Minister Paet pointed out that all EU member states should help out and whilst explaining the problem faced by Estonia, who currently have 28% of the population coming from other countries, agreed to look further into this problem and come up with possible solutions. In this regard, Deptuty Prime Minister Dr Borg invited Minister Paet to reciprocate this visit early next year in Malta. The last time a Maltese Minister visited Estonia was ten years ago.
The energy crisis, Lisbon Treaty, Croatia’s bid to join the EU and the Russia Georgian conflict were also discussed. Both countries agreed to support each other on the current bids for hosting EU institutions in their respective country.
Dr Borg was accompanied by non resident Ambassador Mr Lawrence Grech and Ministry’s communication coordinator Mr Melvyn Mangion.
Mr Grech last month presented his credentials to Estonian President Mr Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Tallinn as Malta’s non-resident Ambassador to Estonia.
Mr Grech also met Prime Minister Mr Andrus Ansip and Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Urmas Paet. He is also non resident ambassador to Latvia and Lithuania.
