Malta in Lebanon

https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140866/ian_borg_calls_for_stop_to_lebanon_bombing_by_israel_

Ian Borg calls for stop to Lebanon bombing by Israel Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg calls for the 'immediate cessation of hostilities' in Lebanon after latest Israeli attack kills over 250 people

https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140786/five_afm_soldiers_deployed_with_united_nations_interim_force_in_lebanon

Five AFM soldiers deployed with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Maltese troops take part in a medal parade marking their contribution to the UNIFIL mission and acknowledging their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region

Ambassador Andre Borg making an intervention at the Ambassadors Meeting held in Malta (Feb 20)

In 2024, Malta's economy demonstrated robust performance, achieving a real GDP growth of 5.0%. This growth was primarily driven by strong domestic demand and a positive contribution from net exports, reflecting increased tourist arrivals and robust immigration flows.

Key Economic Indicators for 2024:

GDP Growth: 5.0%
Inflation Rate: 2.5%
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Government Deficit: 4.0% of GDP
Public Debt: 49.8% of GDP

The tourism sector played a significant role, with arrivals between January and August 2024 increasing by 21.1% compared to the same period in 2023. This surge contributed to higher overall tourism expenditures.

Employment grew by 4.3% in 2024, supported by high immigration flows addressing labor and skills shortages. The unemployment rate remained low at 3.2%.

Inflation moderated to an average of 2.5% in 2024, with stable energy prices contributing to this trend.

The government deficit decreased to 4.0% of GDP in 2024, down from 4.5% in 2023, mainly due to reduced subsidies and restructuring costs. Public debt stood at 49.8% of GDP, remaining below the 60% Maastricht threshold.

The financial system remained resilient amid successive shocks, and over the medium term, Malta's economy is projected to continue outperforming other European countries.

https://timesofmalta.com/article/leaders-highlight-need-stability-middle-east-message-diplomats.1103731

Leaders highlight need for stability in Middle East in message to diplomats President, PM and opposition leader exchange New Year’s greetings with diplomatic corps

🇲🇹 REPUBLIC DAY: Malta commemorates 50 Years as a Republic. As of December 13, 1974, Malta ceased to be under the sovereignty of the British monarch, and instead appointed its first President of the Republic - Sir Anthony Mamo

https://timesofmalta.com/article/maltese-peacekeepers-escape-injury-lebanon-base-struck-rocket.1100366

Maltese peacekeepers escape injury after Lebanon base struck by rocket Seven Maltese soldiers are volunteering on a peacekeeping mission

ACN aims to raise 1 million Euro to help Church face crisis in Lebanon Christians form a significant part of the population in this area, and are being directly affected, despite the fact that they have played no role in terrorist strikes against Israel.

At today’s consultations on UNIFIL, Malta 🇲🇹 expressed deep concerns over attacks on UNIFIL positions, which have injured peacekeepers. Such attacks are clear violations of international law.
Malta further appealed to all parties to recommit to a cessation of hostilities and political process under Resolution 1701. Firing across the Blue Line must cease, and Lebanese sovereignty must be respected.
MaltaGov 🇲🇹
United Nations 🇺🇳

Malta expresses grave concern at the escalations unfolding in the Middle East, in particular across the Blue Line.

In today’s UNSC briefing on the situation in Lebanon, expressed grave concern at the escalations unfolding in the Middle East, in particular across the Blue Line.

Civilians on both sides of the Blue Line are left wanting for security and stability. We are alarmed by Israeli bombardments which are resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. This is having a dramatic impact on Lebanon and its people. UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in position, and the UN flag continues to fly despite Israel’s request to relocate.

Any action, by any party to the conflict, that directly imperils the safety and security of UNIFIL peacekeepers is unacceptable. Malta considers as unacceptable any attempt which compromises the safety of UN peacekeepers. Malta, as a troop contributing country, stands in solidarity with all troop contributing countries.

Further violence and destruction will neither solve the underlying issues nor make anyone safer in the long run. A negotiated solution based on resolution 1701 is the only pathway to restore the security and stability that civilians on both sides so desperately want and deserve.