Updated – Malta News Briefing – Friday 25 April 2025

Updated 1030

Malta and UAE meet in new commission meant to boost relations: Malta and the UAE have launched a new Joint Commission to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, healthcare, AI, cybersecurity, climate action, tourism, and education. The commission, which met in Abu Dhabi, reflects a mutual commitment to structured, strategic engagement. Malta aims to deepen existing ties and explore new areas of collaboration. Delegates outlined a two-year partnership roadmap ahead of the ministerial meeting. Foreign Minister Ian Borg emphasised Malta’s support for stronger EU-Gulf relations. UAE Minister Al Sayegh described Malta as a trusted and reliable partner. Both sides agreed the next commission session will take place in Malta.

Saint James Hospital targeted in ‘sophisticated cyber attack’: Saint James Hospital experienced a sophisticated cyber-attack on April 18, which was swiftly contained. The hospital confirmed it remains in full control of its systems, with no disruption to medical appointments or procedures. Immediate containment measures were enacted, including disconnecting systems from external networks. An investigation is underway to assess whether sensitive data was compromised, led by the hospital’s IT, legal, and security teams with external support. Authorities, including the police, have been notified. Updates will follow as the situation develops.

President leaves Malta for the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral: President Myriam Spiteri Debono has departed for the Vatican to attend the official funeral of Pope Francis. She is scheduled to return to Malta on Sunday. In her absence, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia will serve as Acting President, having taken the oath for the role. The Maltese delegation also includes Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Dr Lydia Abela, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, and the President’s husband, Dr Anthony Spiteri Debono.

Morning Briefing

Luxury resort approved for Comino as old hotel makes way

Plans to redevelop the Comino hotel and bungalows have been approved by the Planning Authority, despite opposition from the Għajnsielem Local Council. The project, proposed by Hili Ventures Hospitality, includes demolishing the old structures to build a 140-bed hotel at San Niklaw Bay and 16 bungalows at Santa Marija Bay, with bars, restaurants, and a spa. The resort is set to be operated by luxury brand Six Senses. The permit prohibits permanent residence, requires coastal access to remain public, and prevents separate sale of the bungalows. The ERA did not object, and the plans were revised to reduce the project’s scale. The original hotel, built in the 1960s, has long been in disrepair. (Times of Malta)

Trial of Maksar brothers, Jamie Vella, George Degiorgio over Chircop, Caruana Galizia murders begins

The trial of four men accused in the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Carmel Chircop has begun, with a jury empanelled on Wednesday. Robert and Adrian Agius, known as the ‘Maksar’ brothers, along with Jamie Vella and George Degiorgio, face multiple charges, including the murder of Chircop and involvement in the 2017 car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia. Robert Agius, Vella, and Degiorgio are also charged with illegal possession of explosives and firearms. The case marks a major step in the long-running Caruana Galizia investigation. (The Malta Independent)