Malta Minister for Foreign Affairs Praises Distinguished Ties with Qatar, Praises its Role in Resolving Crises and Contain the Coronavirus Pandemic

Doha, January 21 (QNA) - HE Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Relations of the Republic of Malta Evarist Bartolo highlighted Thursday the development of Qatari-Maltese ties in all fields, noting that it continues to grow thanks to the joint political will and the commitment of both sides to enhancing it to benefit the two countries and peoples, at a time where both sides are looking to explore investment opportunities in the two countries, especially with the Coronavirus pandemic fading around the world. His Excellency said, in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), that Qatari-Maltese ties stand on important pillars. He noted that ties were characterized by the activity of the two countries despite their small size and population, in addition to the mutual respect they have for each other and their commitment to protecting themselves in a world where no one needs to be taught what to do by another side. He added that the Maltese side was pleased and excited by the State of Qatar's comprehensive renaissance over the past few years, in accordance with a clear vision of how it can build itself. Bartolo expressed his appreciation for the State of Qatar's big and positive steps towards democratic practice, stressing that the October Shura Council elections will be a real addition to the journey towards the rule of law in Qatar and popular participation in decision making. He said that Malta welcomes these elections and wish Qatar further progress, development, and sustainable growth. He said that the efforts of the State of Qatar to contain the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in terms of providing the perfect healthcare services to its citizens and residents without discrimination sets an example for other countries to follow in terms of dealing with these condition by focusing on the humanitarian aspect, noting that citizens and residents were all human beings. He also said that he was pleased that Qatar Airways was a leader in providing flights from Qatar to Malta, becoming an important way for Maltese citizens to return home. He added that he was also pleased with the presence of a Qatari bank operating in Malta as it comes in the context of the constantly developing ties between the two countries. HE the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Malta Evarist Bartolo, expressed his great pleasure at the end of the Gulf crisis and the achievement of reconciliation between its parties. He said that though Malta was happy with the end of the crisis, the country was saddened by the Qatar blockade. He noted that the blockade however helped Qatar become more self-reliant and self-sufficient in terms of special products in the field of food. He said that, when countries face such a blockade, they either collapse or come out stronger, adding that it was the latter that happened to Qatar. He expressed his hope that relations between the GCC would return to its previous era after the Gulf reconciliation. Regarding the tensions, conflicts and wars in the Middle East area in general, His Excellency said that the State of Qatar and Malta completely agree on the importance of solving all the disputes between the countries or inside the same country by peaceful means and via dialogue and that the mediators must remain at the same distance from the conflicting parties and work with patience without interference and imposing dictations, and making the talks proceed freely in order to find ways to resolve the disagreement and conflict, and this is what Qatar and Malta have succeeded in doing. He affirmed, in this context, the important role played by Qatar at the international level as it became an influential player in conflict resolution, so that it will always be part of solving problems, not a cause or a party of it. He added that Malta was happy with Qatar's mediating efforts in many conflicts, citing its efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, as well as its efforts to achieve harmony between the Afghan parties themselves to bring peace and security in their country, by hosting their negotiations in Doha. He said that those negotiations have led to building confidence between them in order to achieve the interests of their people, the security and stability of their country, and build its future. HE the Minister hoped that peace and security would prevail in all conflict areas in the Middle East and the world, and that armed confrontations and conflicts that only arms dealers would benefit from would disappear. He noted that the new American administration is required to work with the rest of the world, and this is what it had demonstrated and confirmed it on its first day, by its willingness to work with everyone for the sake of global peace and security, and to contribute to solving world problems, not causing it, calling on the administration of the new American President, Joe Biden, at this particular time, to overcome the current problems of the country, in terms of achieving the unity of Americans and overcoming the Corona pandemic, so that the United States of America would be more able to deal and cooperate with other countries of the world on issues of peace, security, climate change and other international problems. In response to a question about the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the State of Qatar next year, he said that he was very happy with the great preparations that Qatar have made to make this international sporting event a success. He added that he visited one of the stadiums where the championship will be held, Al-Rayyan Stadium, which has a capacity of 47,000 spectators, noting that it is a modern sports facility that has the latest and highest international standards and conditions in terms of construction, lighting, pitch, and other required facilities. HE Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Malta concluded his interview with QNA by highlighting his complete satisfaction over the great levels of Qatari-Maltese relations and the results of his visit to Doha, pointing out that the two countries are now harvesting what they planted over the past years in the course of the distinguished relations between them. (QNA)