Italian President Giorgio Napolitano yesterday expressed the hope that his state visit would encourage Malta and Italy to settle “the very few issues” on which both countries were “still seeking agreement”.

Proposing a toast during lunch at Castille on the last day of his two-day visit, Mr Napolitano did not specify what the outstanding issues were but extolled the strong economic and cultural ties that exist between Malta and Italy.

Last year the two countries sparred over which should be responsible for taking in migrants rescued at sea. Another issue was Italy’s insistence that Malta give up parts of its large search and rescue area, a claim that has been pending for years. The government has refused to give in, insisting Malta’s SAR was not for sale.

It is unclear whether these issues were raised during private talks between Mr Napolitano and the Maltese authorities. The Prime Minister only made a fleeting reference to the matter of illegal immigration when reciprocating the toast.

“It is true that some misunderstandings have arisen but they pale into insignificance considering our rock-solid friendship which transcends any temporary differences,” Lawrence Gonzi said, pointing out that his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on July 8 will be preceded by a ministerial summit focusing on foreign policy, home affairs and defence matters.

Mr Napolitano yesterday also met Labour leader Joseph Muscat and was taken on a brief tour of Valletta’s cultural gems by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici.