Frendo on relations between Malta and Russia

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo has hailed the establishment of diplomatic relations with Russia 40 years ago on July 26 as an important event.

In a message to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Dr Frendo said Malta considers Russia an important partner and is open to exchange views on any matters which may still be pending between the two countries.

In his message Dr Frendo said that relations between the two countries have always been based on mutual respect and friendship and can be described as excellent.

Dr Frendo renewed his invitation to Minister Lavrov to visit Malta.

In his reply the Russian Foreign Minister said that the unique geographic position of Malta allows it to play a special role in the field of strengthening of regional security, stability, development of cooperation and political dialogue in the Mediterranean as well as in the inter-civilisation dialogue.

Russia highly appreciated the active efforts undertaken by the Malta government in this regard, he said.

Mr Lavrov added that Russia is prepared to give the utmost encouragement to the maintenance of political dialogue, to the growth of trade and economic potential as well as to identification of bilateral exchanges in the sphere of tourism, culture and the arts.