Trade relations and the fight against organised crime are expected to top the agenda of talks today between Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
Maltese exports to the Russian Federation are low, at €2 million per year, consisting mostly of pharmaceuticals and plastic products. The Maltese government is keen to explore new opportunities for Maltese businesses to export and invest in Russia.
It is also seeking to attract more Russian investment. There are currently 307 Russian-owned companies in Malta.
Officials have been working on a double taxation agreement to facilitate exchanges.
High level talks between Russia and the European Union were held last week when Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Cimate change and energy dominated the talks.