Estonia and Malta

Bilateral Relations between Estonia and Malta

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).

Cultural Relations

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 Relations

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.

Estonian-Maltese trade 2010-2018 (in thousands EUR):
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

Main export articles to Malta (2018):
  • Mineral Fuels – 49.1%
  • Clocks and watches and parts thereof – 25.8%
  • Machinery and equipment – 8.1%
Main import articles from Malta (2018):
  • Rubber and articles thereof – 51.6%
  • Machinery and equipment – 35.4%
Investments

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

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.

Agreements

  • Estonia and Malta have signed the Agreement on the Abolishment of Visa Requirements, which was signed on 2 December 1997 and came into force on 1 January 1998.
  • The Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation was signed on 3 May 2001 and came into force on 22 January 2003.

Visits and Meetings

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