Relations between Malta and Australia were discussed today in meetings between Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and his Australian counterpart Bob Carr.

Addressing a news conference after the meeting, Dr Borg said the close relationship with commonwealth Australia was discussed. Malta and Australia are both active members of the commonwealth.

150,000 Maltese people had emigrated to Australia over the years.

The minister said that they also discussed developments in north Africa and how Malta had lived the experience of Libya, Tunisia and Egypt.

They discussed Malta's support for an Australian proposal for the strengthening of human rights across commonwealth states.

Mr Carr thanked Malta for its role in the evacuation of 33 Australian nationals from Libya last year during the crisis.

He said Maltese immigrants in Australia were a wonderful addition to the Australian family and were proud of their dual citizenship.

Australia, he said, appreciated Malta's work and role in supporting the cause for democracy in the Arab world.

He also said that his visit to Malta was "the fulfilment of a dream".

Photo: Jeremy Wonnacott, DOI

Mr Carr also had meetings with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat.

Dr Gonzi noted that Maltese in Australia were proud of their Maltese heritage. They were loyal to both Australia and Malta.

Mr Carr said that Australia was a good example to a lot of countries. "Multiculturalism in Australia works well," he said.

This is the second visit by an Australian minister in the last two years.