Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1428470
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 NOVEMBER 2021 10 NEWS JAMES DEBONO WITH a seat on the United Nations Security Council in mind, Malta's new foreign policy strategy avoids any reference to contentious re- gional conflicts like the Israeli occupation of Palestine, but instead envisages a "discreet" mediation role in conflict res- olution. In its bid for the seat on the only world body which can impose binding resolutions and sanctions on its members, Malta is blandly presenting itself as a "voice for justice, moderation, understanding and tolerance". The strategy document de- scribes Malta's candidacy as a "crucial opportunity for Malta to contribute in no small way towards the achievement of peace and security" with its mandate based on the three pillars of "security, sustaina- bility and solidarity". Malta is a candidate for one of two non-permanent seats up for grabs in the Western European and Other Regions group for the period 2023- 2024. The vote at the UN takes place in June 2022 and so far, only Malta and Switzerland have put forward their bids for the two vacancies. The Security Council is made up of five permanent members – the US, UK, France, Russia and China – and 10 rotating members elected from various regional groups for two-year terms. Each member has a vote but the permanent mem- bers have veto powers. If elected, this would be the second time that Malta would serve on the UNSC, having first served in 1983-1984. For the first time in history, Malta has now articulated a foreign policy strategy by out- lining generic strategic goals which include a commitment to enhance Malta's influence in the world. Strikingly the document omits any reference to Mal- ta's relationship with global powers like China, the Unit- ed States and Russia or to the country's stance on controver- sial issues like the Israeli occu- pation of Palestine. But it does underline a com- mitment to enhance Malta's reputation "as a sober, mod- est, steadfast, discreet, and neutral mediator", and the in- tention to continue to develop capacities to "contribute to peaceful conflict resolution" as a mediator. According to the strategy Malta is committed to pro- mote "the alliance of civilisa- tions through dialogue of re- ligions and advocating ethical values"; and to prioritise "the values and culture of human rights and democracy... with- out self-righteousness". The document reaffirms Malta's constitutional neu- Malta pitches 'voice for moderation' in Security Council bid 'Discreet' mediation in conf lict resolution is hallmark of first-ever national foreign policy strategy before election to Security Council seat trality, however underlining that this does mean indiffer- ence to the events happening around it. Significantly, neutrality is seen as a way of enhancing Malta's soft power. "Mal- ta's policy of neutrality safe- guards its effectiveness and credibility, which in turn en- ables it to play a significant role in the maintenance of peace and security in the re- gion and beyond." Malta also reaffirms its commitment to the EU's Common Security and De- fence Policy (CSDP) as well as support for efforts aimed "at securing the borders and stabilising the EU's neigh- bourhood". Another aspect of Malta's untapped soft power recog- nised in the strategy is the propagation of Malta' culture through its diaspora. The strategy recognises cul- tural diplomacy as an effec- tive tool to promote Malta's profile, values and interests. To encourage dialogue, Mal- ta also aims to promote talent in other small states, using its own "rich pool of exper- tise that Malta can call upon, from its own population or its expatriate community." But in a tacit admission of Malta's ongoing reputational issues, the government says it will work with interna- tional partners "to continue building on recent progress in relation to the enforce- ment of the rule of law, with a particular attention to an- ti-corruption and anti-mon- ey laundering measures." Beyond Europe, the doc- ument also underlines the need for peace and stability in the Euro-Med region and Africa, and commits Malta to take the lead in the dialogue on irregular migration. The document is also in tune with new global chal- lenges like climate change and cyber diplomacy, with Malta seeking multilateral agreements "on cyber-norms and effective global digital governance" to create a se- cure cyberspace anchored in international law. Less Eurocentric, more global The document moves away from a Eurocentric foreign pol- icy and aims at strengthening bilateral transatlantic relations with South American countries, through the establishment of the first resident diplomatic presence in Brasilia, "to seek new political and economic op- portunities". Malta will continue to strength- en its cooperation with Sub-Sa- haran African countries and the African Union. through devel- opment assistance, economic cooperation, capacity develop- ment, and the creation of mutu- ally beneficial opportunities. Once again, the document re- peats Malta's self-styled mantra as a "bridge-builder" commit- ted to neutrality, disarmament, peace and consensus "through dialogue with all". But it also reminds larger na- tions that "small states can sur- prise by launching initiatives for the global public good." The question is: which grand initia- tive will put Malta back on the map? A protest in Malta by Palestinian residents. Strikingly the document omits any reference to Malta's stance on controversial issues like the Israeli occupation of Palestine