The main theme of this year’s gathering of heads of state of German-speaking countries is ‘Young entrepreneurship’. The meeting, which takes place every year, also serves as a forum for informal exchanges on topical issues.
During President Schneider-Ammann’s visit to Malta, discussions will focus on bilateral relations and the priorities for Malta’s presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2017. The state of ongoing talks between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) regarding a mutually acceptable solution to the question of the free movement of persons and implementation of Article 121a of the Federal Constitution will also be addressed. Other issues on the agenda include migration policy, and in connection with that, the situation in Libya and Syria. Switzerland and the Republic of Malta enjoy good relations, which have become more intensive in recent years.
While in Malta, Mr Schneider-Ammann will meet with President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. State Secretary Jacques de Watteville, chief negotiator for negotiations with the EU, and State Secretary Mauro Dell'Ambrogio, the head of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), will also attend the official meetings in Valletta.
