Muscat meets counterparts in New York to discuss economic cooperation

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat took part in bilateral meetings in New York, where he will address the United Nations’ General Assembly.

He was accompanied by foreign minister Carmelo Abela and Edward Zammit Lewis, chairman of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee.

Muscat met with Macedonian prime minister Zoran Zaev, to discuss the country’s interest in Malta, especially in terms of investment. Zaev said he was looking forward to agreements on double tax relief, amongst other laws, to facilitate trade between the two countries.

Muscat with Prime Minister of Macedonia, Zoran Zaev (Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri)

Muscat was reported as saying that “Malta is open for business” and that it was in the country’s best interest to come to agreements concerning investment, “not only in the private sector, but also in the public sector”.

Muscat also mentioned Malta’s energy sector, with special mention of renewable energy projects being carried out overseas.

A separate meeting on economic cooperation was held with the President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, who focused on education cooperation between the two countries.

Muscat meeting with President of Guyana, David Granger (Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri)

Muscat said bilateral relations with Kosovo had taken a leap forward in recent months after Thaci’s visit. One of the challenges for both countries was creating better conections.

Muscat also met the President of Guyana David Granger. Muscat said that, as in the management of the Maltese Presidency and the Commonwealth, “our country has committed itself to the European Union and the Caribbean to collaborate better with each other”.

Muscat said Malta was willing to give Guyana bilateral assistance in its bid to follow on the Maltese tourism model to better promote his country’s unique product.