PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maltese parliamentary delegation participates in the 152nd IPU Assembly held in Istanbul, Turkey

A Maltese parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and composed of Edward Zammit Lewis and Robert Cutajar, participated in the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly. They joined the 12+ Group and contributed to daily discussions on key Assembly issues.

Robert Cutajar participated in the Standing Committee on International Security and Peace, which discussed a draft resolution on the role of parliamentarians in post-conflict management and sustainable peacebuilding. Cutajar voted on behalf of the Maltese delegation on proposed amendments, and the resolution was subsequently adopted by the Assembly.

Edward Zammit Lewis addressed an open session on the two-State solution in the Middle East, reaffirming Malta's consistent position in support of a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. He underscored Malta's role as a Mediterranean bridge-builder, committed to neutrality, multilateralism, and dialogue, while highlighting the continued relevance of the link between peace in Europe and stability in the Mediterranean.

Speaker Farrugia also contributed to discussions within the Task Force on Ukraine, which explored additional areas of cooperation beyond child-focused initiatives, including food security, cultural heritage, and the issue of prisoners of conscience.

On the margins of the Assembly, the delegation held bilateral meetings with several counterparts, including a meeting between Speaker Farrugia and the Vice President of the National Parliament of Laos, Sounthone Xayachack. The Maltese delegation also met with the Ukrainian parliamentary delegation, headed by the First Deputy Speaker, Oleksandr Korniyenko, who expressed appreciation for Malta's continued humanitarian support, including initiatives led by Robert Cutajar to raise funds for Ukrainian children in need.

The Assembly elected a new Secretary General of the IPU, Ambassador Anda Filip (Romania), with an absolute majority in the first round of voting.​​

The Maltese Parliamentary delegation was accompanied by the Maltese Ambassador to Turkey, Marisa Farrugia, Consul General in Istanbul, Walter Mallia and delegation secretary Ian Paul Bajada.

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