Maltese Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government of Owen Bonnici and Italian Minister of Justice Andrea Orlando agreed that their common aim is to keep strengthening mechanisms to combat organised crime through collaboration.

Minister Orlando, in Malta on an official visit, strongly commended the strong bilateral relationship between Malta and Italy. Both ministers agreed that strong collaboration between both countries can lead to ensuring rapid efficiency when it comes to the exchange of information and the creation of an efficient front in combating transnational crime.

Both ministers said that their main aim is to fight organised crime on an international level of cooperation, so as to make sure that justice is executed in a timely manner.

Minister Bonnici said that Malta has an excellent relationship and cooperates closely with Italy. Following a discussion on facilitating the exchange of information and on the work done to combat organised crime, the Minister said that Italy has vast experience in this field. "Obviously we want to strengthen this relationship between Malta and Italy by facilitating the work between us, and to keep on working together so that if an offense is committed in either Italy or Malta, we are able to act fast and ensure that justice is served while breakers of law get what they deserve."

During his short official visit, Minister Orlando and his delegation held a meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Minister Orlando complimented Malta on its execution during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union earlier this year.