Relations between Switzerland and the Republic of Malta are good and becoming closer. Because of its history and strategic location in the Mediterranean, Malta functions as a bridge between Europe and North Africa and the Middle East.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Malta
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
An important component of bilateral relations is Diplo, a foundation established jointly in 2002 and co-financed by Switzerland which focuses on political capacity building in small states and developing countries.
Bilateral relations in the area of multilateral policy are also being bolstered by the two countries' non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council in 2023–24.
Economic cooperation
Trade between Switzerland and Malta is modest, mainly involving the machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries. Switzerland has a trade surplus with Malta. Swiss imports from Malta amounted to CHF 33 million in 2021. Exports amounted to CHF 144 million in the same year. Malta is a popular destination for Swiss tourists.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Cooperation focuses on science diplomacy, a key component of both countries' foreign policy strategies, and Diplo, an NGO that specialises in helping small states and developing countries to develop their policy-making capacities.
Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU
Malta was one of the recipients of the first Swiss contribution to the new EU member states for the reduction of economic and social disparities and is also included in the second contribution. As part of its second contribution, Switzerland is providing CHF 3.56 million to finance a project in the field of cardiovascular health implemented in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Swiss nationals in Malta
According to the statistics on the Swiss abroad, 412 Swiss citizens were living in Malta in April 2021.
History of bilateral relations
Shortly after Malta gained its independence in 1964, the Swiss ambassador in Rome was accredited by the Maltese government. The Swiss honorary consulate in Valletta, first established in 1937, was upgraded to an honorary consulate general in 2003. A Maltese ambassador (with residence in Malta) has been accredited to Switzerland since 2008.
Switzerland and Malta jointly founded the Mediterranean Academy for Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) in 1990.
Malta, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
