Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1986, Morocco and Malta have cultivated a steadily growing partnership. The two countries forged key cooperation agreements in 1995, 1998, and 2003, reflecting their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Morocco-Malta’s ties further received a massive boost with the opening of Malta’s Consulate General in Casablanca in February 2022.
In an exclusive interview with Barlaman Today, Consul General Jerome Spiteri reflects on the current state of Malta-Morocco relations, discusses potential future diplomatic expansions, and explores ongoing efforts to enhance cultural and economic cooperation.
1- Since the opening of Malta’s consulate in Morocco during Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo’s visit in February 2022, bilateral relations have seen significant progress. How would you assess the development of Malta-Morocco relations over the past 50 years, and what impact has the consulate had on these ties? In addition, is there potential for establishing a Maltese embassy in Rabat and a Moroccan diplomatic presence in Malta?
At the outset thank you for the opportunity to sound our views as a diplomatic Mission here in Morocco. Bilateral relations have been established for many years but of course, since the opening of the Consulate General in Casablanca relations have moved forward at a steadier pace.
As for the added value of the Consulate General, our government chose Casablanca as a location because this city is the heart of Commerce for Morocco. Thus we are on the ground and therefore have much better access to both Public and Private enterprises in various sectors.
And yes, of course, the Maltese government has in mind to open an embassy in Rabat when it is opportune since there is a whole-hearted commitment from our government. On the other hand, we are aware that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates is also thinking seriously of opening a representation in Malta as well.
2 – Both Malta and Morocco share intriguing similarities, such as linguistic connections and city names like Rabat and Nador. How do you explain these cultural parallels, and what strategies could be employed to enhance cultural cooperation, further strengthening the bond between our two sister nations?
You are right, there are many similarities between both countries and yes we have cities with similar names including Rabat (in fact we have two cities namely Rabat in both Malta and Gozo, as well as Nadur and Safi as well as other Arabic names like Zejtun, Marsa, Mdina etc.
Our peoples have the same Mediterranean Culture and in my opinion, are both industrious and hard-working. The language is very similar as the Maltese grammar is literally Arabic in its nature, with infusions of Italian, French, and English. Due to our proximity to the former and due to our colonial past.
We are continually trying to improve cultural, economic, and educational relationships. This is mainly done through the organization that was established in 2021 and is called The Maltese Moroccan Cooperation Council, which has four separate committees dealing with Commerce, Education, Culture, and Themes.
3 – The opening of an economy-oriented consulate speaks volumes of Malta’s interest in promoting economic ties with the kingdom. What are the steps taken in this direction?
We believe Morocco has great potential in various aspects for example we have seen how the Automotive industry has been very successful in practically a short span of years. So is climate action, we see that Morocco is seriously committed to this challenge as it ranks very high in aspects like Solar Energy etc.
It is in this light that we aim to cooperate both at the government level as well as at the private level. From our side Malta is quite advanced in water management and thus we can cooperate and facilitate the transfer of knowledge from both ends. In the meantime, several Maltese companies have established themselves in Morocco and are progressing. Now we wish to see that Moroccan counterparts or others will reciprocate by establishing themselves in Malta.
4 – Malta could be a prime tourism destination for Moroccan tourists, and the opposite is true. Is there any cooperation to promote tourism between the two destinations? Is there a possibility of a direct flight between the two countries?
Morocco is known very well by the Maltese public and Maltese tourists do come here. However, due to the lack of a direct connection, this has an impact not only on tourism but also on the business potential. From our side, we have approached both Moroccan and Maltese-based airlines as well as international ones and we shall continue to press because the link is strategically important as you will agree. Pre-covid, the Maltese national airline Air Malta used to operate to Casablanca but the flight was stopped during Covid and has not been reinstated. Perhaps it will be in the future by the new airline KM Malta Airlines.
5 – Morocco has supported Malta’s candidacy to the UN Security Council for 2023-2024. How do the two countries support each other at international forums?
I believe the relations between both countries are very good and again, since the Mission has been established we are in direct contact with personnel at the Ministry in Rabat who I am happy to say they assisted us a lot. Since we are a Consular office, most political items are channeled via the Moroccan Embassy in Rome. However, we are always there to facilitate any requests from both sides.