VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela called on the international community to support a peaceful, negotiated and democratic solution to the unfolding crisis in Venezuela, addressing the diplomatic corps at New Year exchanges at Auberge de Castille.
Abela said Malta has been closely monitoring events in Venezuela and stressed the importance of upholding a rules‑based world order to ensure global stability, particularly for small open economies.
The prime minister reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to peace and dialogue throughout 2025, highlighting unity as essential to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine and noting Malta’s support for a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine that respects its neutrality.
Turning to the Middle East, he described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as critical and voiced concern over conditions in the West Bank, underlining Malta’s official recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025 as a step toward lasting peace.
Within the EU, Abela said Malta has advocated for dialogue and just peace, and he expressed hope for a more effective Union that can enhance competitiveness.
He highlighted Malta’s strengthened role in multilateral diplomacy, pointing to achievements during its Council of Europe Presidency, including work on the Special Tribunal for Ukraine and protocols on children’s rights and youth empowerment.
Abela warned that challenges such as climate change, digitalisation and the rise of artificial intelligence require coordinated responses, and announced the imminent publication of Malta Vision 2050, a nationwide strategy focused on innovation and quality of life.
Concluding his address, the prime minister said Malta plans to host key diplomatic events in several capitals to further international engagement.
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(ITALPRESS).
