Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will be visiting Israel later on this year.

The visit was announced last week by Acting President Anton Tabone, who said Dr Gonzi's visit would serve to strengthen "warm and friendly" diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He was speaking at a reception held to mark the 62nd anniversary of independence of the state of Israel.

Mr Tabone underlined Malta's concern for recent events in the Gaza Strip involving Maltese human rights activist Bianca Zammit, who was shot in the leg eight days ago by an Israeli soldier during a peaceful demonstration.

Malta has protested strongly over Ms Zammit's shooting.

Commenting on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Mr Tabone said Malta strongly urged both sides to leave "no stone unturned" in removing obstacles that created instability and hindered the continuation of the peace process.

He added that the decision by the Maltese government to open a resident diplomatic mission in Israel, last June, underscored the country's political will to contribute to strengthening relations in a spirit of mutual trust and confidence. He said the countries' common objectives were lasting peace and security in the Middle East and in the Mediterranean.