Yesterday on Il-Każin, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg had a very interesting discussion with a well-read audience that challenged him on a number of issues. The Foreign Affairs Minister was evasive on some questions but he delineated Malta’s foreign policy and his application of this policy in detail and in a very clear extent.
One of the most important points discussed was the Arctic Metagaz which was eventually towed by the Libyan authorities. The Foreign Minister was criticised by his host, Mark Laurence Zammit, over the government’s reaction of the attack on the gas tanker. The government took too long to respond to the incident and took a position of inaction on the basis that tanker was not struck in Maltese waters. The government’s position of inaction and indifference seems to indicate that the government lives in a bubble and thinks that Malta faces no risks or threats.
The Foreign Minister was unable to give a good reason as to why the government failed to take action and responded late to incident. However, the Foreign Minister also gave a detailed description of what Malta is doing to prevent such incidents once again. Firstly, Malta is increasingly active in vessel monitoring thanks to the international maritime centre it has founded. Secondly, the Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that the government is requesting the European Council to implement strict measures to ward off the Russian shadow fleet away from our shores, including by controlling the entry of vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar.
The Foreign Minister also acknowledged a deficit in Malta’s defence spending but he said that this is being addressed. He also said that Malta is increasingly investing in its intelligence capabilities instead of investing in hard weaponry. He made the analogy to a home with surveillance cameras, alarm and strong locks.
However, the Foreign Minister was evasive on the question on what Malta would do if it was attacked. Minister Borg also said that Malta has security and defence guarantees from Europe due to its European Union membership. He added that the government doesn’t need to contribute to European military expenditures in order for Europe to guarantee Malta’s defence and said that this foreign policy was also successfully sought by both major political parties in Malta.
On President Trump’s nomination to the Nobel Peace Prize,, the foreign minister said that he made the nomination as OSCE chair specifically on the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia but he also confirmed that he would do anything that would serve Malta’s interests.
He refused to describe Israel’s war on Gaza as a genocide, but said that Malta has recognised the State of Palestine apart from always taking positions in favour of international law and Malta was very clear on its position that Israel’s war on Gaza was not proportional and neither in line with international law. ‘
The discussion is a must watch for anyone interested in Malta’s foreign policy.
You can view the full discussion here.
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