Maltese, Czech PMs discuss ties and cooperation

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat met Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš to discuss the ties between the two countries during a bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers, according to a press release issued by the government’s Department of Information (DOI).

This state visit was a follow-up meeting to the visit the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic paid to Malta last August when the two leaders discussed matters related to immigration.

“Cooperation between Malta and the Czech Republic, as well as the good relations between the two countries and on a personal level between the two prime ministers, is the essence of the European Union,” said Mr Muscat. “Despite the many different features between Malta and the Czech Republic, sitting around a table helped us to understand each other better,” Mr Muscat added.

In addition, he explained that this year marks the 20th anniversary since the first direct flight between the two countries. Mr Muscat also underscored the importance of continuing the development of these connections.

Mr Babiš acknowledged the similarities between the two countries; that both countries joined the European Union at the same time and also that both Malta and the Czech Republic have open economies, as the press release says. Consequently, he announced that a business delegation will be sent to Malta to explore further potential business cooperation especially in the fields of innovative technologies and education.

In addition, Mr Babiš noted that 22,000 tourists travel from the Czech Republic to Malta on a yearly basis, according to the press release.