The role of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) as the key platform of the Euro-Mediterranean region for parliamentary dialogue was discussed during a meeting between the PAM Secretary General, Amb. Sergio Piazzi, and H.E. Vladimir Malygin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malta. The meeting was held at the Russian Embassy in Malta on 21 May 2018.
The mission of PAM was highlighted especially in light of the number of conflicts and security challenges, which the region is facing. The two ambassadors exchanged views on the issue of returning foreign fighters, as both the Mediterranean and CIS regions are highly affected by this phenomenon.
Ambassador Piazzi went through the work that PAM is conducting on this issue in cooperation with the UN, with particular attention on the nexus between migration and security issues. With regards to terrorism, PAM will organize a meeting in Turkey in November. On this issue PAM wishes to associate also the Russian parliament and national parliaments of Central Asian countries.
In addition to the long-standing friendly and fruitful cooperation between PAM and Russia, the process of Russia to join PAM as an Associate Member was also discussed, with both sides agreeing to continue working towards this goal in time for the next PAM Plenary Session, which is to be held in Serbia next February.
The upcoming Moscow Forum on Parliamentarism was also mentioned in light of PAM participating with a high-level delegation led by PAM President, Hon. Pedro Roque of Portugal.