Malta recognised Estonia on 26 August 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 1 January 1992.
In May 1996, William Spiter became the first Maltese Ambassador to Estonia, residing in Bonn. From 1997-2000, Malta was represented by Charge d’Affaires John Busuttil. In 2000, Eric Gerada-Azzopardi became the Maltese Ambassador to Estonia, residing in Stockholm. From 2002-2007 the Maltese Ambassador to Estonia was Mark Miceli-Farrugia. From 2008-2013 the Ambassador to Estonia was Laurence Grech and from 2014-2020 Charles L. Mifsud. Ambassador Kenneth Vella presented his Letter of Credence on 6 July 2021. The Ambassador resides in Valletta.
Malta’s Honorary Consul in Estonia is lawyer Aku Johannes Sorainen (since November 2003).
From 1999-2002 the Estonian Ambassador to Malta was Mr. Jaak Jõerüüt. Within the period of 2003-2006, Estonia was represented in Malta by Ambassador Jüri Seilenthal. From 2006-2010 the Estonian Ambassador to Malta was Mr. Andres Tomasberg and from 2010-2014, Ms. Merike Kokajev, and from 2014-2020 Ms. Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk. Ambassador Paul Teesalu presented his Letter of Credence to President George Vella on 25 February 2021. The Ambassador resides in Rome.
Estonia´s Honorary Consul in Malta is Mr. Ian De Cesare (since July 2020).
A photo exhibit marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and Estonia was inaugurated by President George Vella in Tallinn on 15 September 2022. President of Estonia Alar Karis, members of the diplomatic corps resident in Estonia and other dignitaries attended the exhibition’s inauguration.
Estonian Film Days have taken place in Malta annually since 2017. The 7th Estonian Film Days in Malta took place on 24-25 November 2023 at Spazju Kreattiv.
Economic ties and trade between Estonia and Malta have thus far remained modest. Trade volumes have remained stable and the trade balance is positive for Estonia. In 2018 Malta was Estonia’s 56th trading partner. Goods totalling 15,9 million euros in value were exported and 1,2 million euros worth of goods were imported from Malta. The total trade turnover was 17,1 million euros.
Year | Export | Import |
2010 | 1918 | 566 |
---|---|---|
2011 | 3311 | 512 |
2012 | 7041 | 313 |
2013 | 5741 | 1572 |
2014 | 11792 | 2011 |
2015 | 1800 | 2000 |
2016 | 13900 | 1000 |
2017 | 2400 | 1500 |
2018 | 15909 | 1213 |
All economic figures originate from the Statistical Office of Estonia
According to data from the Bank of Estonia, as of 31.12.2018 Malta had made direct investments in Estonia with a total value of 65.2 million euros. The most investments were made in financial and insurance sectors.
Estonian direct investments in Malta totalled 38.8 million euros in value. The main investments were made in the financial and insurance sectors.
Tourism is a rapidly developing branch of the economy for both Malta and Estonia. The Estonian Tourism Board and the Malta Tourism Board have had good co-operation for many years doing tourism studies, since both of the boards belong to the European Travel Commission. The number of tourists from Malta to Estonia has increased steadily over the years. In 2014, there were 505 Maltese tourists accommodated in Estonia, then in 2018 that number had grown to 1117. In addition to Tallinn, popular destinations among Maltese tourists were also Tartu county, Pärnu county, and Ida-Viru county.
To Estonia |
|
September 2022 | Official visit of President George Vella |
---|---|
December 2021 | Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo |
November 2016 | Prime Minister Joseph Muscat |
May/June 2012 | State visit of President George Abela |
June 2009 | Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi |
October 2008 | Foreign Minister Tonio Borg |
May 2002 | Speaker of the Parliament Anton Tabone |
May 2001 | President Guido de Marco on a state visit |
To Malta |
|
October 2022 | President Alar Karis at the 17th meeting of the Arraiolos Group |
---|---|
November 2017 | Prime Minister Jüri Ratas |
September 2017 | President Kersti Kaljulaid at the 13th meeting of the Arraiolos Group |
March 2010 | Foreign Minister Urmas Paet |
October 2003 | President Arnold Rüütel on a state visit |
November 2002 | President of the Riigikogu Toomas Savi |
March 2001 | Prime Minister Mart Laar |