Malta and Poland signed an agreement on mutual visa representation. The signing ceremony was held today at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Warsaw, and entered into force on the same day. Malta was represented by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela and Poland Minister of Foreign Affairs Witold Waszczykowski.

Addressing a joint press conference during a one-day official visit to Warsaw, Minister Abela thanked the Polish authorities for their acceptance to assist and support Malta in its visa representation. He announced that the first place where Poland will - in a few days' time - start representing Malta for this purpose will be the Iranian capital, Tehran.

 "Along with my official visit to Warsaw, this agreement is the first of its kind between Poland and Malta", Minister Abela remarked. "It is another important milestone in our relations and, as such, heralds a new impetus for bilateral cooperation. Building on the history of the friendly ties between Malta and Poland, such cooperation is most certainly a testament to our excellent bilateral relations".

Meanwhile, during talks held prior to the signing ceremony, the two Foreign Affairs Ministers discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the exploration of new ways to strengthen commercial ties in several specific sectors. Also discussed were European issues such as security, migration, the EU's neighbourhood, as well as Brexit and the future of Europe.

Minister Abela was accompanied by Malta's resident Ambassador to Poland Natasha Meli-Daudey.