Government in discussions with UN organisation to open regional office in Malta

The government is in discussions with UN’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to open a regional office in Malta, Sunday newspaper ILLUM has learnt.

Discussions with GFCM executive secretary were held in the past months, but proceedings came to a standstill with no decision taken yet by the GFCM.

The GFCM has been operating for more than 50 years in the fishing sector, focusing on the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It functions within the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

While discussions were being held, government identified St Thomas Tower in Marsascala as a possible location from where the GFCM could operate from. This accounts for the temporary suspension of the guardianship deed of the tower, originally signed with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.

A government spokesperson said discussions are still ongoing.

“The nature of such discussions take time since it involves numerous approvals needed in other international fora,” she said.

It is thought that the discussions will continue later on this month, as GFCM will participate in a regional symposium in Malta.