The Labour Party officially announced its first International Forum, an initiative by the International Secretariat led by International Secretary John Grech, which brought together experts and personalities in the field of foreign policy to discuss Malta’s role in the world.

The forum, themed “Malta in the World,” focused on the challenges and opportunities that the country is facing in a rapidly changing international geopolitical context.

Among the speakers were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, together with Alex Sciberras Trigona and Valentina Cassar, who shared their analyses and reflections on Malta’s position in the world and the role the country could play in international politics.

The Labour Party’s International Secretary John Grech said that the forum was also part of a commitment he had made to Labour Party delegates.

“This forum is also a promise I made to the delegates of the Labour Party, which today we are turning into reality. We wanted to create a space where we can discuss international politics and Malta’s role in the world in a mature and open manner. In a world that is changing rapidly and facing new geopolitical challenges, it is important for the Labour Party to continue offering platforms for reflection and serious discussion. Through initiatives like these we are strengthening our commitment to keeping the Party’s doors open to ideas, discussion, and analysis about how Malta can continue to be a credible voice in favour of peace, dialogue, and international cooperation.”

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg said that initiatives like these are important in strengthening debate on foreign policy and Malta’s role in the world.

“Opportunities like these are important so that together we can better understand what is happening around us and the role of our country as a strong voice in favour of peace and de-escalation. Above all, it is crucial that the Labour Party, through initiatives like these, continues opening its doors to discussion together with activists and others.”

For her part, Valentina Cassar said that the international community is going through significant changes that are reshaping the political and diplomatic realities we were used to.

“The international community is undergoing significant changes and facing new realities, which clearly indicate that what we assumed about international law, multilateralism, and foreign policy is changing and evolving. Therefore, serious reflection and debate about our realities, interests, and priorities are required. It is essential that we take a broad look at our national priorities and security, and determine the areas where we can strengthen cooperation and invest more in regional capabilities and in our diplomatic corps.”

In his intervention, Alex Sciberras Trigona emphasised the importance of Malta’s neutrality policy and its contribution to international peace.

“More and more Maltese people are appreciating how valuable Dom Mintoff’s policy was in closing the British and NATO military bases, adopting a status of neutrality, and striving continuously for lasting peace everywhere. Therefore, we cannot refrain from clearly condemning any use of force that violates international law and leads to unnecessary bloodshed. With this sustained call for peace, a neutral Malta contributes to strengthening international law against the growing threat of the ‘law of the jungle.’”

During the forum, themes related to Malta’s neutrality, the country’s relationship with the European Union, and Malta’s possible role in a rapidly changing geopolitical scenario were also discussed.

The Labour Party said that initiatives like these will continue to be organised in order to strengthen debate on international politics and Malta’s role in the world.