Malta calls for greater cooperation between Gulf and Mediterranean states

Calling for greater cooperation between the Gulf and the Mediterranean, foreign minister George Vella highlighted the importance of a social and cultural relationship between both regions, particularly a people to people relationship.

Vella, was speaking in Bahrain during the 23^rd EU- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting.

The agenda of the meeting included discussions on the reinforcement of cooperation between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as latest developments relating to important regional issues, such as the Middle East Peace Process, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Vella underlined the importance of re-energizing the Middle East Peace Process and commended the initiative being undertaken by the US, whilst also urging the EU to play a more participatory role towards finding a just and lasting solution to the Israeli and Palestinian issue.

"There is no alternative to the Two State Solution, namely Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security," Vella said.

On the margins of the EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting, Minister Vella also held bilateral discussions with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Vella also met Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, where he underlined the importance of close cooperation between the Gulf and the Mediterranean as two strategic regions in world affairs.

As the EU-GCC meeting came to a close, Vella together with the other heads of delegations were received by the King of Bahrain, His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah.