Malta's national maritime strategy into the new millenium in the light of the Law of the Sea Convention

Abstract

A nation's policy is derived from its national interests and is formulated to secure or achieve national objectives and goals. In this regard, Malta's top policy makers should prioritise the safeguarding of the Island's territorial integrity, whilst the enhancement of the nation's economic well-being should be given second priority. Both of the above are dependent on a stable region that should, consequently, be next on the agenda. It is, hence, in Malta's national interest, as an island nation, to promote marine policies that reflect Malta's dependency on the surrounding seas. Malta has sovereign rights to the natural resources in the various maritime zones as stipulated by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. And Malta is also dependent on open Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) over which all commodities that are essential to the island's survival must be transported across. In this regard, it is of cardinal importance that Malta's link to the rest of the world remains safe and secure from all those threats that plague our region.