The talks had clearly demonstrated to him that “Malta and Germany enjoy sound, trusting relations”, said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a visit by the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, on Tuesday. Scholz noted that Malta shared Germany’s commitment to multilateralism, international law and also the United Nations, where the country is currently actively involved as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The successful Security Council resolution on the situation in the Middle East, for example, was “largely” the result of Malta’s initiative, according to the Federal Chancellor.

Protecting Israel, improving the humanitarian situation

“Germany and Malta are in agreement: we condemn the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in the strongest possible terms,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz, adding that Israel had the right to defend itself and the lives of its citizens within the framework of international law. “At the same time we see the suffering of the Palestinians, who are also victims of Hamas. We are strongly committed to improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” said Scholz.

Hamas must release all hostages!

Referring to the release of hostages by Hamas “after weeks of fear”, the Federal Chancellor spoke of “very good news”. He noted that the group included some German citizens and thanked the governments involved who had contributed to making the agreement happen. But it was clear that this could only be a start, said Scholz. “We continue to campaign for the release of all hostages,” the Federal Chancellor said. At the same time, he noted, the current ceasefire was being used to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population affected.

War in Ukraine: solidarity unbroken

Olaf Scholz also highlighted another conflict – the war against Ukraine, “which currently seems to be attracting less attention”. Russia was continuing to relentlessly pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine, targeting the Ukrainian civilian population with air strikes on civilian infrastructure at the start of winter. “This is particularly reprehensible and treacherous,” said Scholz.

Scholz thanked Abela for the “successful meeting” of the National Security Advisors in connection with the Copenhagen Process, which took place in Malta at the end of October. This sent out an important signal, he said: “Solidarity and support for Ukraine are unbroken.” Malta and Germany agreed that Ukraine was in need of “our particular support”, especially in winter, said Scholz, which was why “arms deliveries have been intensified”.

Europe: tackling reforms

In addition to the key current areas of conflict in international politics, Federal Chancellor Scholz also talked to Prime Minister Abela about European policy issues, including the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework, which was necessary in order to ensure stability for the common finances on an ongoing basis, said Scholz. The Federal Chancellor said that other points on which he had exchanged views and discussed possible courses of action with Abela included the reform of the Common European Asylum System, issues of irregular migration and the enlargement of the EU.

COP 28: advancing the Climate Club 

Just a few days before the start of the Dubai Climate Change Conference (COP 28), it was important for Germany not only to focus on the committed expansion of renewable energies with wind and solar power, said Scholz, but also to make progress with the Climate Club that was initiated by Germany.

A close partner with shared values

Premier Abela said the meeting was very successful and productive, emphasising the great importance of the Federal Republic of Germany as Malta’s trading partner: German-Maltese relations were traditionally strong, he said, and Germany had become the Mediterranean island state’s largest export market and second largest import market over the last five years.