Foreign Minister Francis Zammit Dimech held bilateral talks with his Greek counterpart Dimitris Avramopoulus, in Valletta.
Minister Avramopoulos congratulated Dr Zammit Dimech for his appointment as Malta’s Foreign Affairs Minister and expressed his country's appreciation towards Malta for its financial support.
The ministers noted that political relations between Malta and Greece are strong.
The two minister underlined the excellent cooperation between the two countries especially on maritime matters. Malta and Greece enjoy the two largest shipping registers in Europe.
Minister Zammit Dimech stated that political relations between Malta and Greece are strongly rooted in a bilateral legal framework comprising of 12 agreements in various areas which include avoidance of the double taxation.
Last November a search and rescue agreement entered into force. This agreement boosts cooperation at operational level between the two neighbouring states.
Trade between the two countries has risen to €250 million in 2011 from €46 million and €33 million in the previous two years.
Maltese companies have invested in the leisure industry in Greece. In Malta, 473 companies with Greek shareholding are registered with MFSA.