Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, paid a courtesy call on the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Headquarters while on an official visit to
Malta on 27 February 2009. Mr Kouchner and his delegation were welcomed by PAM
Secretary General, Dr Sergio Piazzi.
Minister Kouchner and Dr Piazzi proceeded with a private meeting during which they
exchanged views about the role of France in PAM and on the various issues of major
interest and concern in the region.
Dr Piazzi illustrated the Assembly‟s objectives, achievements so far and the programme of
activities in the near future, including the visit in the Middle East by a PAM delegation in
the coming weeks.
Dr Piazzi underlined the role of France in the setting up of PAM, and the assistance the
Secretariat can count on by the French authorities in PAM‟s endeavors in building bridges
of friendship and mutual understanding in the Mediterranean. PAM Secretary General
called upon the Minister to thank the French Diplomatic network for the continued
efforts in sustaining PAM and its initiatives.
Mr Kouchner lauded the Assembly‟s achievements in the few years since its establishment.
“I am confident that PAM will continue to grow and strengthen its role for the benefit of
the Mediterranean peoples and my country will always be there to push any tangible
initiative for peace, stability and security in the region.” Mr Kouchner said. While
showing a sense of preoccupation, Mr Kouchner at the same time expressed his optimism
in relation to the Middle East issue and said France will continue to back international
efforts for an equitable and lasting solution.
Both Minister Kouchner and Dr Piazzi made the point that there is full complementarity
between the various initiatives working for the Mediterranean, amongst which the Union
for the Mediterranean and the Euro-mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. „We all
work towards the same objectives but through different mechanisms, with PAM as the
dedicated Agora of parliamentary diplomacy for the region with all member countries
represented on an equal footing‟, Dr Piazzi concluded.