<a href='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/ck.php?n=afef72b0&cb=165' target='_blank'><img data-src='https://ads.independent.com.mt/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=165&n=afef72b0' border='0' alt='' /></a>The Conference of Ministers for Justice of the Council of Europe concluded in Valletta with the adoption of the Valletta Protocol. The Political Declaration was unanimously endorsed by all 46 member states, the Maltese government said. ADVERTISEMENT"The Conference marked a historic milestone with the signing of the Valletta Protocol to the 1959 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters - a key step in adapting the Convention to the realities of today's rapidly evolving criminal landscape." "Discussions focused on how the Valletta Protocol closes existing gaps in the 1959 Convention and provides practical tools for prosecutors, law enforcement, and the judiciary," the government said. In his closing address, Minister Attard hailed the Valletta Protocol and the adoption of the Political Declaration as a clear expression of collective will: "This Political Declaration, which was unanimously endorsed by all 46 member states, is not just a statement of intent.