Malta's delegation in New York for the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly today had bilateral meetings with the Algerian and Egyptian foreign ministers Ramtane Lamamra and Nabil Fahmy, respectively.

During the meeting with Mr Lamamra, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat indicated his government's will to strengthen the already good relations between the two countries and Mr Lamamra said his country would consider the possibility of setting up a joint commission.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at Air Malta's decision to embark on direct flights between the two countries.

Dr Muscat also spoke on the recent energy agreement with China and said that even Algeria could be an important asset for more investment in Malta.

During the meeting with Mr Fahmy, Dr Muscat was given an account of the latest news in this north African country in transition. He expressed his confidence that the country would achieve the desired success.

Dr Muscat hoped that this political process would be implemented in the best possible way as stability in Egypt was crucial to the Mediterranean.

Malta, he said, shared the international concern about the situation in Egypt and considered the country a trusted friend and an important partner.