VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Qatar Airways will be operating four weekly flights between Malta and Qatar from July.
This was announced by deputy prime minister and tourism minister Ian Borg, during a visit in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement was made following a high-level meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulraham Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, as well as talks with Ing. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways and Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, the Chairman of Qatar Tourism.

“Air connectivity is a cornerstone for advancing trade and tourism, as well as fostering educational exchange and innovation”, Borg affirmed, as he welcomed this important development.

“These flights will contribute to our economies and strengthen the cultural and social bridges between our peoples. These new direct connections to Hamad International Airport in Doha will also boost Maltàs connectivity with many other regions, including Australia, home to Maltàs largest diaspora, as well many other emerging tourism markets”, he added.

Hamad International Airport, the international hub of Qatar Airways, hosts flights to 197 destinations across five continents.

In a statement, the Maltese government said the discussions with Al-Thani were built on earlier exchangers, including Borg’s visit to Qatar in December 2022, to explore avenues for strategic investments and new collaborations, particularly in financial services, tourism, and renewable energy.

The meeting also underscored the robust relationship between both countries, ahead of the 50th anniversary years since Malta and Qatar established bilateral relations on 18 June 1975.

Borg extended Maltàs invitation to Qatari investors to consider the island nation as a gateway to European markets and a hub for sustainable innovation.

During the meeting, both delegations discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Palestinian territories, the updates in Syria, and a number of topics of common interest.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – During a political mission in Damascus, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed Al Shara, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassan Al Shibani.

During the day, the minister will meet with representatives of the Christian communities in Syria, civil society, NGOs, and humanitarian workers, as well as a representation of co-nationals who are in Syria.

The meetings allowed Tajani to confirm Italy’s commitment to supporting the transition process after the years of civil war and the end of Assad’s brutal regime. “I have indicated to the new authorities and the Syrian people how the Italian government wants to contribute towards conciliation and reconstruction process of the country, within the framework of broader efforts to stabilize the region”, Tajani said at the end of the meeting.

The minister also reminded the leading role that Italy is playing in the transition process, highlighting that Italy is the only G7 country to have an operational embassy in Damascus. An action that was accompanied by a strong diplomatic commitment with the organization yesterday in Rome of a meeting with the ministers of the Quintet in Rome and continuous discussions with regional partners, most recently with the ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

During the meetings, particular attention was paid to the issue of how to promote an inclusive political process, which guarantees the fundamental freedoms of all Syrians and recognizes and enhances the role of Christians as citizens with full rights. The discussions also addressed the issue of the security situation and the socio-economic needs of the country in light of the long civil conflict.

The minister then announced a package of new development cooperation initiatives, which will involve Italian civil society organizations. He recalled that since 2019, Italy has planned an average annual allocation of over 40 million for the Syrian population and refugees in neighboring countries. Finally, Tajani indicated the desire to strengthen coordination with international partners and the United Nations also on the refugee situation, to facilitate their return to Syria voluntarily and in a safe and dignified manner. 

During his mission in Syria, Tajani visited the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most symbolic places in Islam, and will also pay a visit to the chapel of St. Paul in Damascus.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities can start laying down a second interconnector to Sicily after Italy approved the final development permit. This was announced by Miriam Dalli, Maltàs Energy Minister.
The permit, issued by the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security, keeps the project on track for final commissioning in 2026.
The 122km-long high voltage cable will connect Maghtab with Ragusa in southern Sicily and will carry a maximum of 225MW of electricity. The project will cost €300 million with EU funds covering €165 million under the European Regional Development Fund 2021-2027.
At least 99km of the cable will be laid on the seabed in the Sicily-Malta Channel. The subsea cable will be buried in a ditch dug into the seabed or where this is not possible be protected by rocks.
This is the second interconnector between Malta and Italy, the first having been commissioned in 2015.
Minister Dalli said a second interconnector will give Malta greater security of supply and enables Malta to export any additional electricity generated by large-scale renewable energy projects. Minister thanked her Italian counterpart Gilberto Pichetto Fratin for the close cooperation.
Interconnect Malta, a Maltese government company that is tasked with the project, has already obtained the development permit from the Maltese planning authorities. The company has also been working on the tendering processes for the various engineering, procurement and construction contracts.
“Following the start of civil works in Malta, with the construction of culverts in Maghtab already underway, this favourable outcome will allow us also to initiate works on the 21km stretch between Marina di Ragusa and Ragusa in Italy and in due course, and the channel between the two states,” engineer Joseph Vassallo said.
– Photo: Enemalta –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese Government unveiled radical reforms that would exclude companies from hiring third-country workers in case of a series of indiscriminate dismissals.
This measure represents one of 32 recommendations included in a consultation document on labour migration policy to balance economic needs with growing public concerns about foreign worker exploitation and social cohesion. The public consultation is open until 9 February, with implementation targeted by the end of this year-end, as confirmed in a press conference addressed by the Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela.
While presenting the reforms, Home Affairs and Employment Minister Byron Camilleri, announced that small firms with termination rates exceeding 50% would fail the Labour Market Needs Test, effectively prohibiting them from recruiting non-EU workers.
Third-country nationals earn an average of €18,443 annually, significantly below the €22,912 earned by Maltese residents and €25,319 by EU nationals.
According to the new policy, foreign workers who lose their jobs will be granted an extended grace period of 60 days, up from the current month, to secure new employment. The recruitment practices will be regulated, mandating job advertisements on the European Union’s EURES platform.
In a bid to encourage workforce stability, the policy introduces a fee structure for work permits. First-time applications will cost €600, while renewal fees will be reduced to €150 annually. High-skilled workers under specific initiatives will benefit from automatic three-year permit renewals, while others engaging in training or integration efforts will see their renewal periods extended from one to two years.
From this year, all salary payments to third-country nationals must be made via bank transfers to ensure transparency and contract compliance. Employers must now provide detailed evidence of candidates’ qualifications, experience, and language skills. The policy introduces workforce application limits, restricting the number of third-country nationals companies can hire based on a fixed percentage of their current workforce.

– photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The plane carrying journalist Cecilia Sala, coming from Tehran, has landed at Ciampino airport. Cecilia Sala was welcomed by the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, as well as her mother Elisabetta Vernoni, her father Renato Sala and her partner Daniele Raineri, a journalist at Il Post.

“Ciao, I’m back”, says Cecilia Sala in a voice message sent to colleagues at Chora Media. The phrase also became the title of the episode of the podcast “Stories” which recounts the day of the journalist’s release.

The release of Cecilia Sala by the Iranian authorities was announced by the Office of the Prime Minister shortly after the plane took off from Tehran. “Thanks to intense diplomatic work and intelligence channels, our fellow citizen has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy,” the Office of the Prime Minister underlined.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “gratitude to all those who contributed to making Ceciliàs return possible, allowing her to embrace her family and colleagues again.”

The Prime Minister personally informed the journalist’s parents during a phone call. I cried, and she told me “dad, don’t cry, a nightmare that lasted a very long time is over. I am proud, she is a strong woman, and speaking of strong women, the reference is certainly also to a Prime Minister who managed to maintain lucidity, and proactivity that I consider extraordinary. The nightmare was undoubtedly alleviated by the closeness of the country,” Renato Sala, Ceciliàs father, told Tg1.

– Photo X Giorgia Meloni –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The plane taking journalist Cecilia Sala home took off a few minutes ago from Tehran. This was announced by the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Thanks to intense diplomatic work and intelligence channels, our fellow citizen has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy”, the Office of the Prime Minister underlined.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “gratitude to all those who have contributed to making Ceciliàs return possible, allowing her to embrace her family and colleagues again”.

The Prime Minister personally informed the journalist’s parents during a phone call a few minutes ago.

She is scheduled to arrive at Ciampino airport in the afternoon. She will be welcomed by her family and, among others, by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has submitted its updated National Energy and Climate Plan to the European Commission, committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 41% compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
The commitment comes after EU data showed Malta once again topped the rankings for increases in greenhouse gas emissions, with almost a 9% increase compared to the previous year. This made Malta one of only seven countries in the bloc that failed to reduce emissions. “The government remains committed to tackling climate change while promoting sustainable economic growth and, at the same time, keeping its promise not to overburden citizens to achieve these goals”, the Ministry of Energy and the Environment said. Malta will see a 77% reduction in emissions from energy generation compared to 2005, mainly due to the shift from heavy fuel oil to gas and the use of electricity interconnections with mainland Europe. Large-scale battery storage facilities will also be installed, allowing renewable energy to be used at night. Malta has also committed to increasing the share of renewable energy to around 25% of total energy consumption by 2030, exceeding previously set targets. The Maltese government noted that it has just published an international call for proposals to produce wind energy. The Maltese government acknowledged that more efforts are needed in the transport sector, which accounts for 37% of emissions. It said that people will continue to be incentivised to switch to electric vehicles while road infrastructure is improved.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Maltàs Tourism Office-

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono has insisted that a profound discussion is required on the introduction of abortion and euthanasia in Malta.
During an interview on the national tv station, President Spiteri Debono said that she believes it is inevitable that abortion will be introduced in Malta. “I think it is inevitable. If we study the developments even in other countries, they began with 100% being against it. The important thing is that it does not enter the country by just slipping through by stealth. It’s the same with euthanasia. The most important thing is that it is discussed, and on euthanasia it seems a profound discussion is about to start”. She added that while there has been some discussion on abortion, and more is needed, the same cannot be said for euthanasia which can mean a lot of things, including assisted suicide, or passive or active euthanasia.
“When it comes to abortion there is another thing. As far as I know it is only us and the Philippes which do not have it. But euthanasia no. Euthanasia is not that widely accepted. We have to proceed slowly but it is important that ultimately we have a clear direction from the people, what they want as a nation and I believe that the best tool is a referendum, and nothing else,” the President remarked.

foto: DOI

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese authorities have identified the two Moroccan men who are still on the run after they escaped from a parked Turkish Airlines aircraft on New Year’s Day. They are Fouad el Sellah, 26, and Mohamed Lazaar, 43, who were part of a group of five Moroccan passengers who boarded the Marrakesh-bound aircraft flight from Istanbul and staged a fake medical emergency, leading the pilot to make an emergency landing in Malta. The search for el Sellah and Lazaar, has so far failed to give positive results. Police released their photos on Thursday afternoon, calling on the public to help in locating the two men. As arrangements to disembark the purportedly sick Moroccan passenger were underway, the other four Moroccans opened the aircraft’s rear door, jumped onto the apron and climbed over the airport’s perimeter fence. Two of them were captured hours later and returned to Morocco together with the person who had complained about the malaise in the first place.
The Sunday Times of Malta reported that migration experts are warning that similar attempts to enter Schengen countries through are likely to become more common.
The voyage between Turkey and Morocco has become particularly attractive to people hoping to sneak into Europe since there are no visa requirements between the two countries.
The newspaper quoted Salaheddine Lemaizi, editor of Enass.ma, an independent media organisation in Morocco, saying these incidents represent a “spectacular and dramatic” migration route into Schengen territory that has taken off in recent years, often spurred by conversations across social media.
Some TikTokers have taken to acting as de facto travel agents, suggesting possible air travel routes and warning against others. The trip between Turkey and Morocco remains a favourite, as passengers used to travel to Turkey and cross into Europe posing as Syrians.
Meanwhile, other airlines and airports are also being forced to face similar escape attempts.
In 2021, a flight between Morocco and Turkey was diverted to Mallorca, with a man on board appearing to be suffering from a diabetic attack. As the man, who later turned out to be in perfect health, was being escorted into an ambulance, a group of over 20 passengers pushed their way off the plane, some of them managing to jump over the airport’s perimeter fence. While airport police managed to capture 12 of the runaways, a dozen others evaded capture, with some believed to have later boarded a ferry towards Barcelona.
Barcelona also found itself in the centre of a similar case a year later when another flight travelling from Morocco to Turkey was diverted to the Spanish city after a woman on board claimed to be going into labour. As medical officials entered the aircraft, 28 passengers jumped off the plane on to the apron. While police managed to detain half of them, several others remained at large.

foto: ufficio stampa Polizia di Malta

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The police in Malta have published a photo of two Moroccan nationals who escaped from a Turkish Airlines flight that was diverted to Malta following a medical emergency. The police said that he together with two men, aged 28 and 34, who were arrested after escaped from the aircraft were returned to Morocco. They were also banned from returning the Schengen area. Two other passengers remain on the run.
On New Year’s Day, a 28-year-old Moroccan on the flight from Istanbul to Marrakesh in Morocco, claimed that he was unwell prompting Turkish Airlines to request permission to land in Malta. Turkish Airlines flight TK619, was travelling from Istanbul to Marrakesh when the passenger reported feeling unwell just as the aircraft was approaching Sicily, prompting a diversion to Malta.
However, shortly after the plane landed and the crew were working to retrieve the sick passenger’s suitcase, four other Moroccan passengers escaped through the rear door.
The passenger who reported feeling ill was taken to Mater Dei hospital under arrest and has also been deported and issued with a travel ban, the police said.
The police urged the public to come forward with any information about the whereabouts of the missing two Moroccans, either through Facebook or by calling the Police Headquarters on 21 224001 / 119 or by going to the nearest police station and quote number 01/2025.
Meanwhile, video footage posted online by aviation-focused social media platform HavaSosyalMedya shows one of the men running away from the diverted plane, dashing across the apron to jump the airport’s security fence. Another person can be seen appearing to give chase before breaking off pursuit shortly before the end of the video, while the passenger capturing the footage can be heard exclaiming, “Oh my God” as he witnesses the escape attempt.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews