Malta and Italy have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen their relations in the area of health and medical sciences.

Social Policy Minister John Dalli explained that the MoU included several areas such as emergency hospital treatment, organ donations and cardiovascular treatment.

He explained that this level of assistance and collaboration had so far been focused on Britain, but Italy also had an advanced medical sector which could supplement Malta's limited resources.

The agreement also involves an exchange of medical specialists and cooperation in the approval of medicines, research and exchanges of medical personnel.

Mr Dalli said it was hoped that the agreement would eventually be extended to include France and Spain.