PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER: Malta reaffirms strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty at UN Crimea Platform Summit

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• Youth policy and climate action interventions lead up to Malta's keynote address at UN assembly on Friday

Addressing the Fifth Summit of the Crimea Platform at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, presided over by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed Malta's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Abela underscored that eleven years since its forced annexation, the Russian Federation continues to assert its illegitimate occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol, in direct violation of the UN Charter. He stressed that the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity is not only essential for Ukraine itself, but also a crucial step toward establishing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Ukrainian residents enduring Russian occupation in Crimea, condemning Moscow's systematic attempts to erase Ukraine's national identity and way of life. He noted that Russia's actions, including the forced imposition of Russian citizenship, military suppression, and intimidation, are aimed at permanently altering the demographic and cultural fabric of the Crimean Peninsula and other occupied territories.

He also drew attention to the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children from Crimea, actions which he said amount to deliberate efforts to change the identity and citizenship of minors.

Speaking in Malta's capacity as the current Presidency of the Council of Europe, the Prime Minister emphasised his government's determination to prioritise the protection of children affected by Russia's war of aggression. He pledged that Malta would continue to advocate for the immediate and safe return of all forcibly displaced Ukrainian children to their homeland, including those taken from Crimea.

Concluding his intervention, Prime Minister Abela stressed that the rightful reintegration of the Crimean Peninsula as part of Ukraine is non-negotiable, and urged the Russian Federation to immediately reverse its illegal occupation of Crimea along with the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

The summit closed with the adoption of the 'New York Declaration', in which participants reaffirmed their shared determination to intensify diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts to end Russia's unlawful occupation and to ensure accountability for its violations of international law.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg.

The Prime Minister also addressed the World Programme Action for Youth Summit stressing the need to value the voice of youths in decision making.

He stated that when youths are given real space for input, it is they who come up with some of the most viable solutions. Hereby he referenced the Youth Advisory Forum which was appointed in Malta, and which is acting as a veritable Youth Cabinet of Ministers.

The Prime Minister shared his speaking time with Chloe Cauchi, a Maltese lawyer who serves as a Youth delegate for Malta in the United Nations. She mentioned investment in education and decent work, the protection of young people's rights, mental health and access to digital tools as themes that the UN should prioritise on the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Action for Youth programme. EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef also addressed this event.

Malta also co-hosted a separate summit zoning-in on the theme of rising sea levels as a result of climate change.

The Prime Minister reiterated that climate change remains a serious issue for countries with areas close to or below sea level.

"While in Malta we have systems and ongoing studies that monitor similar areas - it is important to continue following international action on the matter, while offering a helping hand to other countries that require Malta's experience in the matter," Dr Abela said.

Photos: OPM

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