British Foreign Affairs Secretary Boris Johnson avoided questions from the press following a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella.

The press were invited to cover the first five minutes of the meeting, during which time nothing of substance was actually said. It was the Malta Independent that revealed he would be in Malta today.

During the ceremonial handshake photo opportunity, Maltese Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella could be heard saying: "Let's have a handshake and get rid of these people", referring to the press.

The British Foreign Secretary opened the discussions in a light-hearted tone, saying that while at EU Council meetings, he often looks at Maltese Foreign Minister George Vella's notes, saying he finds them very useful.

He went on to speak about Malta and the UK having much in common.

The press were then asked to leave. Journalists waited outside in the hopes that the British Foreign Secretary would stop for a comment and perhaps answer a question or two following the meeting, which lasted over an hour. He however chose to go through the press line and straight to his car without stopping.

Photos by Jonathan Borg