Austrian embassies are to represent Malta for the issuing of visas in those countries where Malta does not have an embassy, it was announced this morning.

An agreement for this purpose was signed at the Foreign Ministry between Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Michael Spindelegger Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria.

Dr Borg said that this agreement replaces another which was signed in 2004.

“This is an important instrument of cooperation between both countries in the processing of visa applications. The Austrian authorities which will be representing the Government of Malta in a large number of countries worldwide,” Dr Borg said.

He added that relations between the two countries were characterized by a number of bilateral agreements and growing trade and investment ties. Six Austrian banks operate in Malta and Vienna Airport is the majority shareholder in MIA.

Several Austrian e-gaming companies and some manufacturers have also set up base in Malta.

The Maltese authorities in the first 10 months of this year issued 42,000 travel visas.