The EAPC is a multilateral forum where NATO and Partnership for Peace Countries meet on a regular basis to discuss political and security-related issues.

During the EAPC Summit, the Prime Minister signified Malta’s continued adherence to the principles and values enunciated in the Partnership for Peace Framework document.

He also highlighted the areas in which Malta will cooperate and participate through its membership in the Partnership for Peace Framework.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that Malta’s participation in the Partnership for Peace initiative is fully consistent with the Maltese Constitutional provisions on neutrality.

For the duration of the summit, the Prime Minster was accompanied by Dr Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Speaking during the summit, Mr Gonzi remarked that:

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the support received regarding the reactivation of Malta’s membership of the Partnership for Peace initiative. In taking this step today, Malta signifies its continued adherence to the principles and values enunciated in the Partnership for Peace framework document and accepts the concept of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council as laid out in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council basic document."

He continued:

"Malta's participation in the Partnership for Peace initiative is fully consistent with the Maltese Constitutional provisions on neutrality."

"For some countries the partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a preparation for membership of this Organisation, while for others, such as Malta, it constitutes the prime instrument for developing the military and civil interoperability that countries must have in order to be able to contribute effectively to UN sanctioned international crisis management and peace support operations."