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VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Premier Robert Abela condemned Russiàs continued violation of international law through its assault on Ukraine when addressing the UN General Assembly.
“Maltàs neutrality means we will not tolerate military aggression and unilateral actions against members of the global community and the rules-based order”, Abela emphasized.
“In the spirit of peace”, he added, “we call upon Russia to withdraw its forces from the sovereign territory of Ukraine, and we urge all nations gathered here to unite in bringing an end to the war”.
Highlighting the devastating impact of the Ukraine conflict on global food security, Abela also called upon Russia to rejoin the Black Sea grain initiative to ensure grain exports from Ukraine.
The Maltese Prime Minister reaffirmed Maltàs commitment to assisting neighbouring countries in addressing shared challenges, emphasising the importance of solidarity within the Mediterranean region. “This is why I am proud that our capital, Valletta, will host the next summit of the EU’s MED 9 members in just a few days’ time,” Abela.
Speaking about the worsening political situation in Libya, Abela emphasised that Libya represents the most pressing issue for the Mediterranean. “The peace of our entire region hinges on achieving a lasting settlement there. Malta aspires to witness a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Libya through a Libyan-led political process”, he stated.
When addressing the widespread uncertainty surrounding technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Abela stated that if leaders make the right decisions, the impact of AI can be a positive one. He highlighted Maltàs “proactive approach” in this regard, citing six pilot projects in areas ranging from healthcare to traffic management as examples of how AI could enhance public services and improve citizens’ lives.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Abela held a meeting with the General Secretary of the United Nations, Antònio Guterres during which common interests were discussed. Antònio Guterres congratulated Malta in its role on the UN Security Council, particularly its period of Presidency.
Libya was on the agenda and the Maltese Premier explained the need for the country to be helped after the recent Daniel Cyclone disaster, but also due to the need of stability for the Libyan population.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

FAVIGNANA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The value of the sea is one of the activities carried out by Marevivo for the “Egadi Islands” Marine Protected Area as part of the AMPPA project. In particular, this involves the set up of laboratories and educational courses aimed at primary and secondary school students on the following topics: MPAs and protected species and ecosystems.
Many initiatives are carried out in schools, with the aim of involving students through a training course of growth and awareness on marine ecosystem emergencies.
“My protected marine area: what can I do for my territory” is the name of the workshop, organized by Marevivo, which took place on 18 September in Favignana, involving three elementary classes. The aim was to raise awareness on the area through the study of history, natural heritage and traditions linked to fishing. The characteristics of the MPAs, the protection actions for the defense of the territory were also explained and a field trip and an ecological day are planned.
On 19 September, again in Favignana, at the “Antonino Rallo” Comprehensive Institute, a workshop entitled “A Blue Table” was organized to raise awareness on the sea and learn how to use its resources in a sustainable way.
More meetings were held for the schools, on 20 and 21 September, then again on 25 September, there is another event; “visit to the area – port and beach cleaning” and on 26 September a final event with an exhibition.
-photo Marevivo-
(ITALPRESS).

PALERMO (ITALPRESS/MNA) -There are numerous activities carried out by the “Isola di Ustica” Marine Protected Area in collaboration with Marevivo as part of the “AMPPA – Marine Protected Areas and Artisanal Fishing” project, in schools, with the aim of involving students through a series of training for the development and awareness on marine ecosystem emergencies.
“My protected marine area: what can I do for my territory” and “A blue table” are two workshops organized by Marevivo, scheduled in Baia del Corallo, in Via Plauto 27, in Sferracavallo, on 20 and 26 September.
Following the experience of 15 and 19 September, in which the Lombardo Radice institute and De Amicis – L. Vinci respectively participated in the laboratory, on 20 September it is the turn of the I.C.S. Gugliemo Marconi and on the 26th of Cruillas.
The mission is to raise awareness among students through a training course in which they can understand the emergencies of the marine ecosystem.
Girls and boys can learn through the study of history, natural heritage and traditions related to fishing. They can include the actions implemented against illegal fishing, the traceability of fish, learning about sustainable fishing and responsible consumption.
The AMPPA project is financed under the INTERREG V-A Italy-Malta Program with priority axis: III (protection of the environment and promotion of efficient use of resources); specific objective: 3.1 (Contribute to stop the loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity in the area by maintaining and restoring ecosystems and protected areas). Lead partner: Municipality of Favignana – Managing body of the “Egadi Islands” Marine Protected Area; partners: Regional Department of Mediterranean Fisheries; Municipality of Ustica – Managing body of the Marine Protected Area of the Island of Ustica; the Gharb Local Council; the Ghajnsielem Local Council.
-photo Marevivo –
(ITALPRESS).

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has issued an international call for applications for local and foreign enterprises to invest in innovative solutions and develop Maltàs blue economy, while establishing a base from which they can keep growing. Local and international enterprises will benefit from €4 million in funds from Malta Enterprise if they develop sustainable projects in the blue economy which create quality jobs. During the launch of ‘Blue Med Focal Point’, which is intended to attract these type of companies, the Minister for Enterprise Miriam Dalli, said that with these initiatives, marks a new target in Malta to create a sustainable economy. With territorial waters which are 13 times larger than Maltàs land area, Malta Enterprise has set up the Blue Med Focal Point to attract businesses with innovative ideas in the blue economy, with operations which will be sustainable. Economist Stephanie Vella said that the potential of the blue economy in Malta is considerable because it is in the middle the Mediterranean. “We have around 15% of the value which is generated in the economy made up of sectors which depend on the sea. In terms of employment, it is much larger because you have almost 30% of jobs which depend on the sea, one way or the other.”

– Foto: Department of Information Malta –
(ITALPRESS).

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela declared once again Maltàs support for Ukraine and called for Russia to stop its aggression against the country. During his address at the United Nations general assembly, Maltàs Premier declared “We cannot relinquish ourselves to living in a world where might is right”. Abela said that when the Russian Federation began its aggresion against Ukraine last year, it was violating Ukrainès sovereignty and territorial integrity. These acts constitute a blatant violation of the UN charter and also a violation of international law,” Abela said. He noted that Russiàs actions had been overwhelmingly deplored and rejected by the UN general assembly which called for Russiàs immediate withdrawal of its military forces and a cessation of hostilities. “This war profoundly undermines the multilateral system,” adding “the long term consequences of such actions by a permanent member of this council cannot be emphasised enough”. Robert Abela reiterated Maltàs full support for Ukrainès independence, sovereigity and territorial integrity within its internatinally recognised borders. “I equally underline Ukrainès inherent right to self defence,” he added. Ukrainian people, Abela said, paid the heaviest price as a result of “this unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression”. Through its actions, Russia not only did bring war back to Europès shores but also generated a global food crisis that has seriously impacted mostly developing countries around the world. “Using hunger and food supplies as weapons of war is completely unacceptable,” Abela said.
He said that there can be no peace if the strong can trample on the weak, if international law can be brushed aside, if geopolitical interests so demand and if the rights of states and individuals can be suspended or revoked at any time. He maintained that during these turbulent times the Security Council must be informed on the necessary measures needed for today’s world. “In this time of upheaval” he said, “our collective reply is to redouble our efforts and continue to invest in our multilateral system. In doing so, we must also reform this Council to make sure it is truly fit for purpose in today’s world – a Council that is more transparent, more effective, more representative, more accountable, and more democratic”. Maltàs committment to dialogue, peace and multilateralism, Abela said, remained as strong as ever. “We remain firm in our resolve to stay at the forefront of the defence of the United Nations charter.” No matter how difficult or disheartening circumstances may seem we must never give up on peace and dialogue, he said.
He said the nuclear threat still hangs as well as climate change while democracies and human rights are coming under continual attacks. “More than ever, the world needs an effective multilateral system with the United Nations at its core. We must redouble efforts to uphold and defend the fundamental principles that unite us. We must promote our common values at a time when they are being undermined and threatened. We must protect them and adequately respond to any contempt for such values”, Abela said.

– Photo: Department of Information Malta –
(ITALPRESS).

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese transport authorities has registered an increase in the purchase of hybrid and electric cars as a result of government grants from national and European funds.
Transport Malta, the national authority overseeing the transport sector announced that there were 3,738 plug-in hybrid cars and 7,362 electric vehicles in Malta and Gozo by the end of August 2023.
This increase in numbers, according to TM, demonstrated such grants were “well received” by the public. The government boosted its funding for sustainable transportation to €28.4 million, of which €13.4 million came from national funds and €15 million came from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).
These schemes have reached over 5,549 beneficiaries, while €23.2 million of the €28.4 million allocated funds have already been accessed.
Transport Malta said Malta was successful in obtaining EU funds through the Recovery and Resilience Plan as a contribution to address issues with the sharp rise in energy consumption and waste creation brought on by, “rapid population growth, employment, and GDP growth in recent years”.
These funds, totaling €50.3 million, were intended to be dispersed over a period of three years, with 15 million being allocated in 2022, €15 million more being allocated in 2023, and €20.3 million by the end of 2024.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Moscow for high-level security talks with Kremlin officials following his meeting in Malta with Jake Sullivan, the United States national security advisor to President Joe Biden.
The bilateral talks in Malta focused on a potential leaders’ meeting and other issues in the relationship including Chinàs support for the Russiàs invasion of Ukraine.
Wang is in Russia on a four-day visit. He began his trip by conferring with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “The more violent the unilateral actions of hegemony and bloc confrontation become, the more important for us to keep up with the times, show a sense of duty as great powers, and further fulfill our international obligations,” Wang said during his talks with Lavrov.
Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russiàs Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the Russian leader is set to hold “substantive” talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during next month’s trip to Beijing to attend a summit of the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
Beijing has sought to project itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, even while it has refused to condemn Moscow’s actions and declared last year that it had a “no-limits” friendship with Russia. China has denounced Western sanctions against Moscow and accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putin’s military action.
Beijing has also proposed a peace plan that was largely dismissed by Ukrainès allies who insist that Moscow must withdraw its forces from the neighboring country.
– foto Agenzia Fotogramma –
(ITALPRESS).

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) (ITALPRESS) – Malta registered the second-highest increase in overnight stays during the first half of the year when compared to the rest of the EU. The increase was by over 30% when compared to the same period last year. According to a recent Eurostat report, only Cyprus registered more overnight stays, an increase of just over 39%.
The report said: “The EU tourism industry is experiencing a strong recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic”, adding “in the first half of 2023, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodations reached its highest level in the past decade, signalling a notable resurgence in the industry’s performance in many countries”. From January to June, Malta registered over 4.3 million overnight stays, a remarkable increase from the 3.3 million in the same period the year before. June was the strongest month with 900,000 stays, accounting for just over one-fifth of the total. However, it was also the month that saw the least increase, at over 86,000 more stays. Meanwhile, March registered the greatest increase in the number of stays, with nearly 230,000 more overnight visits than in the same month in 2022. All months recorded an increase when compared to the previous year before. Across the EU, there were almost 1.2 billion overnight stays in tourist accommodation from January to June, an increase of nearly 11 million from the same period the year before and far above the 400 million in 2021.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit Tourism office of Malta –