Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella today left Malta on an official visit to Iran.
This is the first visit to Iran by a Maltese Foreign Affairs Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972.
The visit is taking place at a very important juncture following elections to the Iranian Parliament and Assembly of Experts last week, which strengthened the country's moderate and reformist leadership.
It is also taking place in the wake of successful negotiations concluded in July 2015 that resulted in the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.
Dr Vella is expected to hold official discussions with his Iranian counterpart Mohammed Javad Zarif and other dignitaries.