VALLETTA, October 17, 2025 (WAFA) – Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Ian Borg, visited the embassy of the State of Palestine in Valletta following Malta’s official recognition of the State of Palestine, in the presence of several Arab ambassadors and the representative of the League of Arab States accredited to Malta.

Palestinian Ambassador Fadi Hanania said the visit reflected the strength of Palestinian-Maltese relations and reaffirmed Malta’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Hanania briefed Borg on recent political developments, stressing the urgent need for intensified international efforts to ensure Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and begin reconstruction. 

He also drew attention to ongoing Israeli violations across the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, and urged action to end Israel’s de facto annexation of Palestinian land, halt settlement expansion, remove movement restrictions, release Palestinian detainees, and transfer withheld clearance funds.

The ambassador further called on Malta to act through the European Union and international institutions to protect religious sites in Jerusalem and to take practical steps toward realizing a sovereign Palestinian state on all occupied Palestinian territories.

Borg reaffirmed that Malta’s recognition of the State of Palestine stems from its firm belief that the two-state solution is the only path to justice and lasting peace. 

He reiterated Malta’s call to end the bloodshed, condemned the killing of civilians, and noted that Malta has sent hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, received wounded Palestinians for medical treatment, and continues to advocate for the realization of full Palestinian sovereignty and a just, lasting peace for both peoples.

M.N