Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia, has received President of the Senate of The Netherlands, Ankie Broekers-Knol, and President of the House of Representatives of The Netherlands, Khadija Arib, on a courtesy visit.

Speaker Farrugia said that this visit by the Dutch Speakers coincided with the conclusion of the Trio Presidency, which included The Netherlands, Slovakia, and Malta. He highlighted the various inter-parliamentary conferences which were organised by the Parliament of Malta under the Parliamentary dimension of Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. He referred to the administrative autonomy of the Maltese Parliament, which culminated in the enactment of the Parliamentary Service Act.

The two sides discussed the role of national Parliaments within the EU, and mentioned the importance and relevance of the involvement of national parliaments in EU affairs. They highlighted the fact that national parliaments are best-placed to act as the bridge between EU institutions and European citizens. They also recognised the value of enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation as a means of finding common solutions to common problems facing Europe and its citizens. 

The Speakers of the Staten-Generaal of The Netherlands were accompanied by Clerk/Secretary-General of the Senate Geert Jan Hamilton, Communications Officer of the House of Representatives Marloes Konings, and Protocol Officer of the House of Representatives Ms Maxim Pos. Ambassador of The Netherlands to Malta Joop Nijssen was also present.

Speaker Farrugia was accompanied by Byron Camilleri MP, and Frederick Azzopardi MP. Clerk of the House Ray Scicluna was also present.