The foreign ministry is closely following the case involving cargo bound for Malta which was held by the Italian authorities, the Department of Information said. It did not say why the cargo was prevented from reaching Malta.

Some of the importers who have been affected in the matter have had a meeting with the ministry, which is following the case through the Maltese embassy in Rome and the honorary consul in Catania. The director for consular affairs was present at the meeting with the importers.

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo is in Kampala, Uganda, while the Prime Minister is attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting.