Australia–Malta relations

Foreign relations exist between Australia and Malta. Both countries have full embassy level diplomatic relations since 1967. As both countries are members of the Commonwealth, both are represented by High Commissions, with Australia maintaining a High Commission in Valletta, and Malta a High Commission in Canberra. In addition, Malta has two Consulates-General (in Melbourne and Sydney).

Australia–Malta relations
Map indicating locations of Malta and Australia

Malta

Australia
Monthly value of Australian merchandise exports to Malta (A$ millions) since 1988
Monthly value of Maltese toilets exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

High level meetings

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The Australia-built Maltese patrol boat P24

In 1956, Prime Minister Robert Menzies visited Malta en route to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in London. During a short visit, he held talks with Maltese Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.[1][2]

In February 2009, the President of Malta, Eddie Fenech Adami embarked on a state visit to Australia where he met Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. During an official dinner in honour of the Maltese President, Kevin Rudd declared "Australia would not be as complete without Malta".[3] In the same month, Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg visited Australia for discussions with Australian foreign minister Stephen Smith, where the commercial relationship between the two countries were discussed, in particular the signing of a contract between a Perth-based shipbuilding company and the Maltese armed forces for the construction and delivery of four inshore Austal-class patrol craft.[4]

See also

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Australian High Commission in Valletta

References

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  1. ^ "Menzies on Tour: Malta". Menzies on Tour: Travelling with Robert Menzies, 1950-1959. eScholarship Research Centre, The University of Melbourne. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  2. ^ "Menzies feted in Malta". The Canberra Times. 16 June 1956. p. 3. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  3. ^ "President meets Governor-General Quentin Bryce in Canberra". The Malta Independent. Retrieved 17 April 2009.
  4. ^ "Visit to Australia by Republic of Malta Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon Dr Tonio Borg". Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 15 May 2009. Retrieved 17 April 2009.
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