U.S. Relations With Malta
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
June 6, 2012
Malta and the United States established full diplomatic relations upon Malta's independence in 1964. The government seeks close relations with the United States, with an emphasis on increased trade and private investment. U.S. Navy ships visit on a semi-regular basis. During the period of rebellion in Libya that began in February 2011, Malta played an important role in supporting evacuation of third-country nationals, including Americans; coordinating humanitarian aid to the people of Libya; and providing general assistance to forces of nations involved in enforcement of UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.
U.S. Assistance to Malta
The U.S. foreign assistance to Malta currently provides International Military Education & Training (IMET) funding and has in the past included foreign military financing (FMF) grants and other defense assistance allowing for the acquisition of U.S. security related equipment, services and training. Under a refugee resettlement program, almost 1000 third-country migrants have been resettled in the U.S. from Malta.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States has been supportive of Malta's campaign to attract private investment, and a number of U.S. companies are operating in Malta. These include major hotels, light manufacturing and repair facilities, pharmaceutical and medical supply firms, and some offices servicing local and regional operations. In an effort to boost trade relations, the United States and Malta signed a double taxation agreement in 2008, which came into force in 2011. Malta joined the Visa Waiver Program in 2008. This program allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States visa-free for tourist and business purposes for stays under 90 days.
Malta's Membership in International Organizations
Malta became a member of the United Nations in 1964 following independence from the United Kingdom. Malta and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Malta is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and is also a member of the Schengen Agreement on the abolition of border checks and the Euro zone.
