A double taxation avoidance agreement between Israel and Malta was signed in Jerusalem today between Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Later today Minister Borg will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In the morning, Dr Borg met Palestinian Prime Minister Fayaad in Ramallah. Malta agreed to provide training courses to Palestinian students on heritage restoration.

Last year, Malta imported €8.3 million worth of goods from Israel, mostly mineral fuels, and exported €3.8 million.

There are currently 68 companies registered in Malta with an Israeli shareholding.

Exports last year improved by 58 per cent over 2009. The major export product categories are organic chemicals, cereals and pharmaceuticals.

Dr Borg is accompanied by Malta's ambassador to Israel Abraham Borg and the head of the Maltese representation in the Palestinian Authority Alan Bugeja. He will return to Malta tomorrow.