Malaysia is appointing an ambassador to the Vatican whose portfolio would also include diplomatic relations with Malta and Albania.

The ambassador, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok will be the first Malaysian Ambassador appointed to the Vatican.

Mr Dompok’s appointment has been confirmed by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

His office is expected to be based in Rome. Maltese travellers to Malaysia will now be able to apply for a visa through the Malaysian Embassy at the Vatican.

Mr Dompok is the former Chief Minister of the Malaysian state of Sabah and was Federal Minister from 2004 until 2013.