VALLETTA, 20 February 2025 – The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, concluded a productive preparatory visit to Malta as the country prepares to embark on its Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from the 14th of May to the 14th of November 2025.
During his visit, the Secretary General engaged in high-level discussions with key Maltese officials, including H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono – President, Hon. Robert Abela – Prime Minister, Hon. Ian Borg – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Attard – Minister for Justice, Hon. Michael Falzon – Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, and Hon. Anġlu Farrugia – Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Talks centred on the country’s priorities during its upcoming six-month chairpersonship, the planned policy programme in Malta and in Strasbourg, and the Council of Europe’s central role in upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The discussions also highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue, particularly with the Global South.
As part of his engagements, the Secretary General addressed Malta’s Annual Ambassadors’ Conference, where he underscored the critical importance of shared values, multilateral cooperation, and the fight against impunity. His address was followed by a question-and-answer session with Malta’s highest ranking diplomatic officials.
