Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1431464
able fact that this same project – placing, as it so clearly does, 'yachts' before 'people' - is all-too emblematic of the entire econom- ic direction being taken by the country as a whole. Even the fact that we are dis- cussing the possibility of a yacht marina in Marsaskala at all – in and of itself – arises directly from the present government's (and yes: also the past's) economic pol- icy decisions. It is, in no uncertain terms, a product of Caruana's own stated policy roadmap: part of an es- tablished socio-economic model, that exploits our limited resources – a bay, in this particular case: but it could just as easily be a valley, a historic village centre, or acres of agricultural land anywhere else - to enrich a tiny minority, at the expense of (quite literally) every- body else… And to cap it all: it is also an economic direction that Carua- na himself – shortly before last month's budget – had promised to 'change'. Remember? "Malta must change its econom- ic model by shifting away from construction and find new ways of generating growth that do not damage the environment," he said. "For too long, we have relied on- ly on construction projects to give a short-term boost to the econo- my," he said. "All this has to change," he said… But… well, just look at what he's saying now. A project like the pro- posed yacht marina in Marsaskala – which would, as that man put is, simply 'fill the entire place up with yachts' – is in no way connected to any of those three, pivotal min- isterial portfolios… you know: the ones which regulate, and direct, all the most important areas of any government's interactions with its citizens. The Finance Ministry, the Envi- ronment Ministry, and the Minis- try for Citizenship and Commu- nities… not one of them, it seems, has anything at all to say, about an issue which threatens to erode public trust in the institution of government itself (not to men- tion, singlehandedly undermine all its patient efforts to hoodwink us all, with all those 'embellish- ment projects' and 'green-wash- ing initiatives'…) Small wonder, I suppose, that the gentleman who asked that question would constantly inter- rupt the minister with scornful, jeering taunts… only to eventual- ly walk away in a huff: as disillu- sioned as he was before. He was, after all, just informed – directly to his face – that his own concerns are of absolutely no con- sequence whatsoever to the pres- ent government; and, by exactly the same token… so were we all. In all honesty, though: how on earth can anyone not be 'disillu- sioned', by a cop-out of such stag- gering proportions? WHETHER we like it or not, we are part of a global community, and our foreign policy determines our place in it. No country can prosper and fulfil its interests by being in isolation. Citizens tend to concentrate and focus more on our domestic policy, on issues which effect their daily lives. Most often, the significance of foreign policy goes un- noticed. However, choosing between domes- tic and foreign policy and priorities is a false choice. Both are equally impor- tant, and they determine each other. Our foreign policy is shaped to serve the country and its citizens, even those living abroad. This week, the Min- istry for Foreign and European Af- fairs has launched 'Malta's Foreign Policy Strategy' for public consulta- tion, whereby for the first time our foreign policy is laid out in a strate- gic document. Malta's foreign policy is based on our interests and value system, un- derpinned by the constitution, the rule of law, equal- ity of opportunity and sustainability. As a small state, Malta is a bridge-build- er, committed to neutrality, disar- mament, peace and consensus through dialogue with all. While not being pretentious, and acknowledging our constraints, our size should not be perceived as a limitation either. Small states can surprise by launching initi- atives that mobilise and galvanise the international community. In fact, in 1988, Malta was the first country to formally table the issue of climate change as a political agenda item during the 43rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. To- day, climate change is a priority for the international community, considered as a global threat. In a globalised world, characterised by political, economic, environmental and technological change, it was necessary for Malta's foreign policy to reflect and adapt to new global realities, and thus be agile and inclusive, guided by clear goals, and supported by domestic pol- icy. This is even more relevant against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pan- demic. The pandemic has completely changed the world as we know it, bringing in a new element of uncertainty. Malta will need to adapt to such changes and new realities, such as the uncertain global economic climate. Another important aspect of Malta's foreign policy is that of coherence between domes- tic and foreign policy. A credible foreign policy re- quires coherence and close coordi- nation between all actors within the government, ex- ternal stakehold- ers and activities, to ensure a clear and consistent message. This is the basis of Mal- ta's foreign poli- cy strategy, rein- forced by three strategic goals on the following themes: prosperi- ty; peace, security and dialogue; and influence in stra- tegic regions and multilateral fora. Through the strategic framework and identified objectives, Malta aims to translate words into actions, which in return can achieve tangible results for its citizens. Foreign policy should be regard- ed as an integral part of Malta's deci- sion-making process. The way Malta interacts with the wider world, and what happens outside Malta's shores, is likely to have an impact domestically. Have your say! The Foreign Policy Strategy was launched for public con- sultation and is available online on konsultazzjoni.gov.mt The consulta- tion period closes on Wednesday 8 De- cember 2021. 11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 NOVEMBER 2021 OPINION Christopher Cutajar On Malta's foreign policy strategy The pandemic has completely changed the world as we know it, bringing in a new element of uncertainty. Malta will need to adapt to such changes and new realities, such as the uncertain global economic climate Chistopher Cutajar is Permanent Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs