‘Malta wants to continue strengthening its cooperation with the UK,’ says Foreign Minister Ian Borg

“Malta wants to continue strengthening its bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom (UK). This is to ensure that trade and citizens’ rights in both countries continue to strengthen,” said Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg during a bilateral meeting with British Minister for Europe and North America James Clevelry.

During this meeting, Minister Borg explained how Malta is committed to continue to carry out the necessary reforms in the country and also said there was significant progress Malta has made in terms of the rule of law.

Minister Ian Borg also spoke of the “hard work” underway to get Malta off the FATF grey list in the shortest possible time, after the same FATF noted the effective and significant work Malta has done in this short time. The discussion between the two ministers also focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and how both countries are looking at the challenges it is posing.

On his part, Minister Clevelry wished Minister Borg every success in his new post and said that he looks forward to further technical discussions so that even in the light of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, trade between the two countries remains strong. He also said that he wants the existing strong historical and cultural relations to serve as drive and ambition for other sectors. Mr Cleverly reiterated that the British Government also aims to continue to offer several resources to Malta in specialised sectors.

Minister Borg was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Malta to the United Kingdom, Emmanuel Mallia.

During his UK visit, Minister Ian Borg also had a meeting with the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization Kitack Lim. During the meeting they spoke about Malta’s commitment in relation to the United Nations agenda regarding the Sustainable Development Goals, and also discussed our commitment towards the maritime sector.