EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE HONOURABLE IAN BORG - MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
Malta and the UAE first established diplomatic ties back in 1973. Reflecting on this partnership, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ian Borg, highlights key achievements over the past 51 years.
«From securing significant investments in infrastructure to expanding our diplomatic presence and cultural exchanges, our partnership with the UAE has driven Malta’s economic and social development,» says Minister Borg.
«In 1998, when Emirates launched direct flights between Malta and Dubai – it vaulted our tourism and trade links with the Middle East, Asia and the rest of the World to new heights,» he continues.
Seeking closer ties, in recent decades Malta opened a Consulate-General in Dubai in 2003 followed by an Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2021 to expand on-ground representation. «Having more diplomatic missions enables deeper bilateral engagement on political, cultural and commercial priorities,» Minister Borg explains. He proudly spotlights Malta’s milestone participation in Dubai’s Expo 2020 with its largest-ever national pavilion as showcasing their strengthened bonds.
The countries have also signed over sixteen bilateral agreements over the years facilitating cooperation ranging from maritime affairs to youth programs to e-governance partnerships. «Each agreement represents another brick in the foundation of trust and understanding we’ve built,» says Borg. Cultural connections were also highlighted through Maltese art exhibitions held at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Abu Dhabi’s iconic Louvre.
Minister Borg outlines plans to encourage more two-way trade and investment with the UAE in high-growth sectors like tech, agriculture, renewables and financial services. He highlights Maltese companies already actively participating in major UAE trade fairs as a starting point to build on.
Beyond business, Malta also appreciates the UAE’s global leadership on pressing challenges like climate change. It eagerly supports UAE-led environmental efforts and looks forward to closer collaboration around shared sustainability goals with the UAE set to host COP28.
«Our 50-year Malta-UAE friendship serves as a model of what two small states can achieve when they come together in a spirit of trust, understanding and mutual support.» Minister Borg concludes.