Malta Russia talks after 10 years

After an absence of nearly 10 years, Malta and Russia will hold official talks tomorrow with a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries.

The talks between Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov will take place in Moscow when the two are expected to discuss a possible double taxation agreement and more cooperation to combat organised crime.

The two ministers are also expected to discuss the facilitation of visa issuance for Russians willing to come to Malta apart from other topics including human rights and democracy.

There are 307 companies in Malta with some form of connection to Russia. In 2008, 24,000 Russian tourists visited Malta. This figure is estimated to have dropped by 10 per cent this year.

Trade with Russia is also very good with about €2 million worth of imports and exports.