Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stressed Malta's multilateral approach to foreign relations in talks with Israeli president Shimon Peres this morning.

In a brief introduction at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Dr Muscat said Malta was willing to help Israel in its relations with the EU.

He said it was important for diplomatic and formal relations to translate themselves into "a good working relationship".

He also mentioned migration and the latest developments in the sea around Malta, saying the phenomenon was linked to problems in the region. "This is why stability in the region is of importance to us as well," he said.

In a short welcoming message Mr Peres said Israel and Malta were two islands with good relations that have improved considerably over the years. However, he did hint at uneasy relations in the past as a result of Malta's ties with Libya.

Mr Peres said things have changed in North Africa but expressed concern at the modern-day blight of terrorism.

Mr Peres knows Malta well, having visited the island several times. He had several meetings with Maltese leaders, particularly the late Guido de Marco when he was Foreign Minister and president of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Journalists were allowed in for the welcoming comments as the meeting continued behind closed doors.

After meeting Mr Peres, the Prime Minister met officials from the quartet, representatives of the world powers led by former UK prime minister Tony Blair, tasked with handling the peace process.

The Maltese delegation then crossed to the Palestinian territories, where talks are being held with the Palestinian Prime Minister.

The delegation will later tour the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

The visit started on Tuesday when Dr Muscat had a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A health cooperation agreement was signed.

Dr Muscat visited the Holocaust memorial and met other senior Israeli government officials and took part in a trade and investment seminar yesterday.