Malta and Georgia have signed two agreements, the second time they have done so since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

The agreements were signed by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and his Georgian counterpart, Gregory Vashadze.

The first is a memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations between the two ministries while the second is an agreement between the two governments on cooper-ation in education, science and culture.

Dr Borg said that Malta, in various international fora, reiterated its support for the respect of the territorial integrity of Georgia. He welcomed the strengthening of EU-Georgia relations, which could enhance stability not only in Georgia but also in the neighbouring region.

Georgia's path towards European integration, he said, could lend added value to the EU's vision of strengthening its presence on the international scene.

Georgia has a population of over 4.5 million, with a negative real GDP growth rate of four per cent during 2009.

In October, Malta and Georgia signed a double taxation agreement signed last October.

There are nine Georgian companies registered in Malta.