Malta floated the possibility that it could mediate to reduce tension between Russia and Turkey as the European Union seeks their help in fighting Islamic State, the prime minister has been quoted as saying by Bloomberg business news agency.

The country's status as an EU member with neutrality written into its constitution meant Malta was well-placed to serve as a go-between, Dr Muscat was reported saying in an interview. 

“The importance of our neutrality is that we can bring them together. Turkey and Russia are important EU partners and our work is to be the voice of common sense.” 

Dr Muscat also said Malta cannot be neutral when it’s between the civilized world and terrorism because it was always against terrorism.

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