Malta considers Russia as an important partner and is open to exchange views on any matters which may still be pending between the two countries, while it is essential that the relations between the two countries continue to grow and strengthen as much as possible both on a bilateral basis and within the context of the European Union dialogue with Russia, the Department of Information said yesterday.

In a message to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Victorovich Lavrov on the occasion of the 40th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and Russia, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo hailed the establishment of these relations on 26 July 1967, as an important event.

In his message, Dr Frendo said that many changes have occurred in both countries since that date which was just three years after Malta attained its independence. Today Malta has a developed economy, a much improved standard of living and is a member of the European Union and an active interlocutor in the Mediterranean region.

On its part, Russia has also undergone significant economic and political development and having attained independence from the former Soviet Union, embarked on a series of important ongoing reforms. It is justly asserting itself as a country that is regarded with respect by the community of nations as a major political and economic player on the international and regional level.

Minister Frendo said that relations between the two countries, very different in size and separated by considerable distance, have always been based on mutual respect and friendship and can be described as excellent.

The minister renewed his invitation to Minister Lavrov to visit Malta to explore ways in which the relations between the two countries can continue to grow in the political, economic and cultural fields and to discuss avenues of cooperation in matters concerning regional and international issues.

In his reply, the Russian Foreign Minister said that the unique geographic position of Malta allows it to play a special role in the field of strengthening of regional security, stability, development of cooperation and political dialogue in the Mediterranean as well as in the inter-civilisation dialogue and Russia highly appreciates active efforts undertaken by the Malta government in this regard.

He said that Malta and Russia are united not only by the common history but also by the similarity of their conceptual and practical approaches to the solutions of world problems.

This lays a solid base for constructive cooperation of both countries within the United Nations, OSCE, and other international organisations.

Russia is prepared to give the utmost encouragement to the maintenance of political dialogue, the growth of trade and economic potential as well as the identification of bilateral exchanges in the sphere of tourism, culture and the arts.

Minister Lavrov believes that the relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation, which have existed between the two countries for many years, will further develop for the benefit of both countries and peoples and to the benefit of peace and stability in the Mediterranean.