Malta’s economy could face consequences from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Foreign Affairs Minister Chris Fearne warning that disruptions to major shipping routes could directly affect trade reaching the Mediterranean.Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Fearne raised concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, as tensions spread into the Arabian Gulf.“A significant share of trade arriving from Asia into the Mediterranean passes through the Suez Canal,” Fearne said.“Any disruption to these shipping routes could have a direct impact on trade and our economy.”The minister stressed that keeping these routes open and secure is in Malta’s economic interest, particularly given the country’s reliance on international maritime connections.Malta also backed a call by the EU High Representative to strengthen naval protection for commercial vessels in the Red Sea.Fearne said Malta’s neutrality does not prevent the country from protecting its maritime and economic interests while continuing to support diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.During the same meeting, Fearne reaffirmed Malta’s support for a two-state solution in Palestine, raised concerns over settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, and welcomed discussions on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.The minister also reiterated Malta’s support for EU enlargement, including the European integration of Montenegro and Albania.Do you think disruptions to international shipping routes could have a noticeable impact on Malta?•