Valletta: India and Malta are looking to deepen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, with Ms Rachita Bhandari, High Commissioner of India to Malta, calling on Mr Chris Fearne, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Malta, for discussions on strengthening ties.

The meeting, according to the Indian High Commission in Malta, provided an opportunity to explore cooperation across various domains. Ms Bhandari described the engagement as an occasion to “set new horizons” for India-Malta relations.

The meeting follows the fourth round of India-Malta Foreign Office Consultations held in Valletta in March, during which both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to advance cooperation in Information and Communications Technology, healthcare, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and education.

The two countries also discussed ways to deepen economic and commercial relations, particularly following the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement. Trade and investment, tourism, technology and innovation, the maritime sector, and educational and cultural cooperation were identified as important areas for further engagement.

The consultations also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest, with both sides agreeing to continue cooperation in multilateral forums.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, and Mr Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary, Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.