Foreign relations of Malta

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Malta

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Malta

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For several years after independence, Malta followed a policy of close co-operation with the United Kingdom and other NATO countries. This relationship changed with the election of the Malta Labour Party government in June 1971, led by Dom Mintoff. The NATO subheadquarters in Malta was closed at the request of the government, and the U.S. 6th Fleet discontinued recreational visits to the country.

After substantially increased financial contributions from several NATO countries (including the United States), British forces remained in Malta until 1979. Following their departure, the Labour government charted a new course of neutrality and became an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement. Malta is an active participant in the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Council of Europe, OSCE, the Non-Aligned Movement, and various other international organisations. In these forums, Malta has frequently expressed its concern for the peace and economic development of the Mediterranean region.

The Nationalist Party (Malta) (Partit Nazzjonalista) government has continued a policy of neutrality and non-alignment, but in a Western context. The government desires close relations with the United States and western Europe, with an emphasis on increased trade and private investment. In 1992, U.S. Navy ships started paying liberty calls again and currently do so on a regular basis, although this is against Malta's Constitution.

On May 1, 2004, Malta officially became a member of the European Union. It is one of ten new members.

[edit] North Africa

Malta has enjoyed cordial relations with Libya since a 1984 Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, signed with Qaddafi's regime. This treaty, signed by Dom Mintoff, included a security protocol in which Libyan forces agreed to train and arm their Maltese counterparts. Libya has supplied Malta with refined crude oil since 1975, and provided aid to build a sports stadium. Libyan nationals are frequent visitors to Malta, and did not require visas until 2004.

Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration

[edit] External links

• Malta Ministry of Foreign Affairs