Malta, Austria sign visa agreement

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tonio Borg signed an important visa agreement with Austria during an official visit to Malta by Michael Spindelegger Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria. The signing was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Valletta.

Addressing the media, Tonio Borg said that this agreement is the second of its kind; and replaces the one which was signed in 2004. It represents an important instrument of cooperation between both countries in the processing of visa applications. It will also facilitate the issuing of visas by the Austrian Authorities which will be representing the Government of Malta in a large number of countries worldwide. This is due to the fact that Malta does not have embassies all over the world.

The relations between the two countries have been characterized by a number of bilateral agreements that have been beneficial to both sides as well as the exchange of high-level visits between Malta and Austria. 

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the important trade and investment ties between both countries. Austrian foreign direct investment fares high in Malta. A considerable number of Austrian banks operate in Malta employing a number of Maltese graduates in banking and finance. Such world-known banks reflect the Government’s vision of establishing Malta as a financial sector hub.

Tonio Borg made reference to the majority shareholding of the Vienna International Airport in Malta’s International Airport. This strategic partnership is a proof of the good ties between Austria and Malta.  It is also worthwhile to note that a number of I-gaming betting companies operate from Malta as well as a small number of industrial companies, mainly specialising in injection moulding, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Tonio Borg said that Austrian firms may wish to examine the possibilities that Malta offers, especially as a stepping stone to operate businesses in North Africa. He mentioned the example of a major Austrian company, VAOS Limited which operates from main offices in Malta and Tripoli. This company is involved in engineering service contracts with all major oil sector companies and other clients in Libya.

The Maltese Embassy in Vienna is an important tool in strengthening our collaboration. The Malta mission in Vienna works to promote Malta in matters of tourism and investment. It is well noting in this regard the promotion of Malta in a Business Forum held earlier this year in Austria.

Talks between the two sides continued to focus on other important areas, mainly tourism and culture. In this respect Deputy Prime Minister mentioned the signing of a code-share agreement in July 2010 between Air Malta and Austrian Airlines. This led to an increase in connections between Malta and Vienna which now are six flights per week.  The increase in the number of flights operated may be considered as an opportunity for Austrians to visit Malta and also vice versa. 

Borg also made reference to the English-teaching sector in Malta, which offers an important opportunity to Austrian students to further their studies in Malta.

During talks, Tonio Borg mentioned the preparations by Malta to host the second 5+5 Dialogue Summit for Heads of State and Government next year. This, he said, is an important achievement for our country. It follows other important conferences held in Malta this year, mainly the OSCE and the Alliance of Civilisations held in October and November respectively.