Malta

From strength to strength: Message from the High Commissioner

Malta and Australia have enjoyed a strong Recent high level visits underline relationship that pre-dates its diplomatic presence the importance that authorities since Malta’s independence in 1964. attach to the development of these relations. Visits to Malta Although Felice Pace was the first Maltese to include by Her Excellency land in Australia in 1810, it was not until 1837 Quentin Bryce, Governor that the Maltese migrants came as free settlers in General of Australia, and two the sugar cane fields of . In the 2011 Foreign Ministers, Stephen Census, we counted over 200,000 persons with Smith and Bob Carr. Both Maltese ancestry living in Australia. Generations President Fenech Adami and of Maltese have integrated well while President Abela have visited High Commissioner of Malta to Australia, retaining their distinct culture. In a true spirit of Australia, accompanied by the His Excellency Mr Francis Tabone solidarity, they have built a home away from home. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. • The relationship between Malta and Australia has gone from strength to strength. We have an MALTA excellent political relationship that is anchored on Population: 419,000 a longstanding sense of common purpose, shared Capital: Valletta values and interests. It is a relationship cemented Date joined the EU: 2004 by ties of blood. Malta and Australia fought side- High Commission opened by-side in both World Wars and, Malta provided in Australia: 1964 Malta High Commission shelter and treatment to many Australian soldiers during the Gallipoli campaign. 38 Culgoa Cct Major Maltese exports to Australia O’Malley, Canberra ACT 2606 • Optical/photographic In light of this reality, Malta and Australia have Tel: +61 2 6290 1724 • Games/sport Fax: +61 2 6290 2453 signed bilateral agreements on immigration, health, • Machinery/mechanical Email: [email protected] • Electrical machinery social security, air services and working holiday Web: www.mfa.gov.mt/Default.aspx? • Pharmaceutical visas among others. More recently, Malta and MDIS=363 Australia agreed to the dual citizenship concept. Major imports from Australia Consulate-General • Plastics The prospect for increased trade between our , • Machinery two countries is encouraging. A number of • Fuels/oils Honorary Consulate Offices • Electrical machinery Australian business enterprises in biotechnology, Adelaide, Ascot Vale (), Brisbane, • Transport equipment computer software, pharmaceutical and Cairns, Mackay, engineering products have been established in Malta. A large financial institution that set up a subsidiary in Malta to facilitate lending and business development in Europe and a joint venture in tourism are proving successful. A leading Australian oil exploration company is prospecting in Maltese territorial waters.

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