Prime Minister Joseph Muscat met the new Estonian Prime Minister Juris Ratas to discuss the important roles that both countries have in their respective geographical position in Europe.

In a joint address Prime Minister Muscat said that, "the ultimate aim for Malta during its EU presidency is to give a sense of direction mainly on immigration, digital economy, security in Europe, maritime affairs, free trade and social inclusion."

Estonia will be the next country after Malta who will have the EU presidency for the second part of the year 2017.

PM Muscat later also met Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo in Warsaw, a visit that also formed part of a whirldwind tour in several European countries ahead of Malta's EU presidency.

Yesterday Dr Muscat met with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Malta's priorities during its six months of EU presidency which starts on 1 January. Earlier this week he also met with the Irish PM Enda Kenny and French President Francois Hollande.

Accompanying Dr Muscat during these visits are, Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech, Foreign Minister George Vella and parliamentary secretary Ian Borg.