FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Malta's diplomatic and consular representation includes accreditation to 152 foreign countries and international organizations. Malta is host to 20 resident diplomatic missions, and 130 countries have non-resident diplomatic representation.
With its central location in the Mediterranean, Malta has long portrayed itself as a bridge between Europe and North Africa, particularly Libya, with whom it has enjoyed positive diplomatic and commercial ties. Malta is one of the southernmost points of the European Union. Malta continues to be an active participant in the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Council of Europe, OSCE, and various other international organizations. In these fora, Malta has frequently expressed its concern for the peace and economic development of the Mediterranean region. The Nationalist Party government is continuing a policy of neutrality and nonalignment but in a Western context. The government desires close relations with the United States, with an emphasis on increased trade and private investment. U.S. Navy ships resumed liberty calls in 1992 and currently visit on a regular basis.
U.S.-MALTESE RELATIONS
Malta and the United States established full diplomatic relations upon Malta's
independence in 1964; overall relations are currently active and cordial. The
United States has been supportive of Malta's campaign to attract private
investment, and several U.S. firms are operating in Malta. These include major
hotels, manufacturing and repair facilities, and some offices servicing local
and regional operations. In an effort to further boost trade relations, the
United States and Malta signed a double taxation agreement in August 2008, which
is currently pending U.S. Senate ratification.
Another landmark in U.S. Maltese relations was reached in December 2008 when Malta joined the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States visa-free for tourist and business purposes for stays under 90 days. For more specifics regarding VWP requirements, please see www.travel.state.gov
.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--vacant
Chargé d’Affaires--Jason Davis
Consular Officer--Eric Catalfamo
Public Affairs Officer--vacant
Political-Economic-Commercial Officer--vacant
Information Management Officer--Frank Jones
Management Officer--Marietta Bartoletti
The U.S. Embassy in Malta is located in Development House, St. Anne Street, Floriana; tel: (356) 2561-4000; fax: (356) 2124-3229; web page: http://malta.usembassy.gov/
