Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Ghana,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media.
Your Excellency, President Akufo-Addo, this historical state visit has given us the opportunity to reaffirm and enhance the momentum that has been growing these last years and, in particular, since my state visit to your country in 2017.
During these last years, the ongoing high-level exchanges between high-level officials of our governments, have created the necessary confidence and trust between our countries.
These exchanges have enforced our resolve, to pursue further opportunities for the mutual prosperity of both our peoples.
It was also my pleasure to welcome the King of the Ashanti Kingdom of Ghana, last year, during his participation in the Mediterranean Tourism Forum, which was held in Malta.
Our endeavours to consolidate the ties of friendship between our countries, into tangible socio-economic collaborations are not only important for Malta and Ghana, but also essential, for the continents of Europe and Africa.
I have come to know, through our exchanges, that both of our countries share many similar values and aspirations, in their journey to achieve inclusive prosperity and holistic wellbeing for our peoples.
In this context, a number of crucial decisions have been taken by our governments, to further strengthen our efforts to reach our peoples’ aspirations.
To mention some practical examples, let me highlight the importance of the opening of diplomatic missions in our respective countries.
I must emphasise that the appointment of a Maltese High Commissioner, and the opening of a Maltese High Commission in Accra, is a statement in itself of how important Malta perceives Ghana to be.
In fact, this is the first Maltese diplomatic representation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Another example of our resolve to collaborate, is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Setting Up of a Joint Commission, which has met both in Malta and in Ghana, over the past years.
The signing of a number of Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation Agreements, during my State Visit in Ghana, between our respective authorities, is further evidence of our determination to engage on different levels among our authorities and business communities.
I am truly pleased that even during your state visit, President Akufo-Addo, we have just signed a number of important agreements, so as to guarantee effective access by our business and cultural communities to our respective markets and societies.
In fact, these partnerships have been positively consolidated by the signing of six documents, which are:
- The Agreed Minutes of the Second Meeting at Technical Level of the Malta-Ghana Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation;
- The Agreement on Double Taxation;
- The Memorandum of Understanding on Air Services;
- The Memorandum of Understanding on Medicines;
- The Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism and Culture, and;
- The Visa Waiver Agreement on Diplomatic Passports.
Another important matter that we discussed is the importance of connectivity between our countries, which will facilitate connectivity between our two important regions. This would also be a game-changer for businesses.
Furthermore, I am pleased that during our meetings this morning, President Akufo-Addo and myself, accompanied by our respective delegations, discussed a variety of sectors of mutual interest, including inter-country adoptions; trade; pharmaceuticals; aquaculture; aviation; ICT; tourism; and blockchain technology, amongst others.
From our discussions, one can easily conclude that there is the necessary political will, to enable our respective private sectors and government authorities to explore innovative initiatives, from which both of our countries can benefit.
We also discussed other topics of shared interest, including the challenges and opportunities presented by migration, which is taking place throughout Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
Malta believes that a united global perspective, in the area of migration, is of paramount importance.
Such a perspective must be rooted in solidarity among the countries of Europe and Africa, and the effective implementation of the Joint Valletta Action Plan.
The Processes of Rabat and Khartoum have been instrumental to achieve a more united perspective, and we must increase our collective efforts to ensure that the phenomenon of migration is treated with the necessary urgency and human dignity.
I also believe that we must promote a more balanced narrative on migration, and therefore, the role that the media plays, to shape public attitudes, is crucial.
For this reason, our media outlets must continue to uphold their ethical responsibility, to reject a sensationalist or populist agenda, and to promote peaceful strategies for inclusion and mutual support.
I am confident that Malta and Ghana are both committed to such strategies, for the benefit of our countries, our regions, and our world.
I must also take this opportunity to emphasise the enthusiasm being shown, to continue to find opportunities to form new partnerships, between our authorities, our respective business communities, cultural sectors, and civil society.
Let me give one example of an important connection, which I believe we must prioritise between Ghana and Malta, in the field of education.
Malta has an excellent international reputation as a centre for English Language Training, and the Maltese Islands welcome countless students each year to receive training at all levels.
Furthermore, the Medical School and the Mediterranean Diplomatic Academy at the University of Malta are both offering specialised courses, which already enjoy a healthy presence of foreign students.
This is also the case at the International Maritime Law Institute, and the Institute of Tourism Studies.
On concluding, I believe that strengthening our social and economic ties, through education and other ventures, is not only a pathway to shared prosperity, but also a means of continuing to build and develop sustainable friendships between our peoples.
In particular, let us always emphasise the inclusion of our young people, at every level of social, economic, political, and cultural engagement.
Our young people are essential contributors to our societies, and friendship between the youth of Malta and Ghana will translate into stronger connections between our peoples both now, and in the future.
I augur that we will prioritise strategies for their effective participation in the areas of education, tourism, and trade, amongst others.
In this way, we shall be working with the best interests of our future generations in mind, to achieve sustainable peace, inclusive prosperity, and holistic wellbeing, for the long-term benefit of Malta and Ghana.
Thank you.