The 9th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, hosted by the Principality of Monaco between 2 and 4 February last, officialised the Sovereign Order of Malta’s membership with the status of Associate State.

“Parliamentary diplomacy meets humanitarian diplomacy to continue efforts to assist civilians in emergency and conflict zones,” stated the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, senator Francesco Amoruso.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the Sovereign Order of Malta, with its membership validated during the Plenary Session, confirmed their joint intention to ensure that Mediterranean parliamentarians remain well aware of the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected populations.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean is a regional interstate organization, and is an Observer at the General Assembly of the United Nations. Its principle goal is to foster stability and promote peace in the Mediterranean presenting opinions and recommendations to national parliaments and governments, regional organizations and international fora.