Malta and Italy have signed a collaboration agreement in the cultural sector for a two-year period ending in 2009.

The agreement covers such fields as language, education, university, restoration, culture, archaeology, cultural heritage and archives.

The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, Italy’s ambassador to Malta Paolo Trabalza and the Italian undersecretary for foreign affairs Famiano Crucianelli. Both parties agreed to participate in EU and other international programmes on a multi-lateral level.

Malta and Italy agreed to an exchange of experts to study the corresponding educational systems to give their contribution and promote the learning of the two languages in both countries.

There is also set to be a level of cooperation between the University of Malta and Italian universities.

The Italian government bound itself to provide 140 scholarships for Maltese students while Malta will offer 68 scholarships for Italian students to learn English.

Cooperation in the archaelogical field will also take place as well as with cultural and ethnic activities such as music, drama and dance.

PBS and Rai are also set to work together on various projects.