UK-Malta Joint Statement on the Bilateral Cooperation Framework
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-28)

Joint statement on the Bilateral Cooperation Framework between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Malta

The UK and Malta enjoy a longstanding partnership, underpinned by the UK-Malta Bilateral Cooperation Framework. The two governments commit to tackling shared challenges, including threats to peace in Europe and irregular migration. The UK and Malta welcome the two countries’ close cooperation, particularly during Malta’s roles on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in the Organisation for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe.

Foreign Policy

In the face of growing international crises, the UK and Malta reaffirm their desire to continue foreign policy cooperation through multilateral work. Both countries reiterate their unwavering support towards a just and lasting Two State Solution, including through the recognition of the State of Palestine, as well as their solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression. The UK and Malta agree to continue discussions on how to hold Russia to account in international institutions, including through sanctions and in the Council of Europe, where, under Malta’s 2025 Presidency, key initiatives such as the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the Register of Damages were advanced.

The UK and Malta welcome the UK-EU Summit on 19 May, and its establishment of a new EU-UK Strategic Partnership, which reaffirmed our shared values and our commitment to deeper cooperation against the backdrop of an evolving and complex global geopolitical landscape. Our countries aspire to facilitate an ambitious, dynamic UK-EU relationship which meets the needs of our citizens, including through the swift implementation of the Common Understanding – “A renewed agenda for European Union – United Kingdom cooperation” – and the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership.

As Commonwealth partners, the UK and Malta reaffirm their commitment to work together to deliver the commitments made at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in 2024, in particular the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. The UK and Malta agree to work together to support delivery of the new Commonwealth Strategic Plan, focused on economic, democratic, and environmental resilience, and to support preparations for the next CHOGM. The UK supports Malta’s important work as Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to safeguard the organisation’s fundamental principles of democracy and human rights.

The UK and Malta recognise the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and reaffirm their commitment to support their climate adaptation, sustainable development and economic resilience, including through engagement in multilateral fora.

Migration

The UK and Malta will continue to deepen cooperation on the external dimension of migration, underpinned by the UK-Malta Migration Dialogue. In September 2025, Maltese Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, the Hon. Byron Camilleri MP, hosted the Home Office Migration Director to discuss migration challenges, deterrence strategies, operational cooperation, and intelligence sharing. Malta and the UK will continue to share information and best practice to tackle irregular migration; modern slavery, human smuggling and trafficking; and financial crime.

The UK and Malta will explore opportunities for collaboration between the UK and the MED5 countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta), recognising their pivotal role in managing migration flows at the EU’s external borders. The UK and Malta reaffirmed their commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the independence and impartiality of the European Court of Human Rights, while acknowledging the need for international legal frameworks to be able to tackle today’s challenges including irregular migration and people smuggling.

Justice and Home Affairs

The UK and Malta share a longstanding partnership and effective links between our respective police forces, judiciaries and legal professionals.

Bilateral law enforcement and intelligence cooperation continues to grow in strength under the UK-Malta Policing Partnership, signed in 2021, alongside regular capacity-building exchanges on counter-terrorism, tackling serious and organised crime, and judicial cooperation. The UK and Malta are committed to maintaining the mutual exchange of legal expertise and good practice to enhance judicial efficiency and the rule of law in both countries.

Defence & Security

The UK and Malta have long benefited from close defence and security ties, reinforced by the mutual provision of armed forces’ training, and regular support to UK overseas operations enablement.

In 2024-2025, Malta supported Royal Naval ships visits, for routine logistical support and a successful trial for longer term maintenance, whilst deployed. Regular visits by Royal Air Force aircraft facilitate the UK Armed Forces’ ability to operate globally. The UK also continued to deliver military training for Maltese officers at the Single Service Officer Training Schools. The UK is pleased to assist Malta’s participation in the NATO Partnership for Peace programme.

In April 2025, the UK and Malta signed a wide-ranging Bilateral Co-operation Plan on defence between the Armed Forces of Malta and UK Ministry of Defence. This laid the foundation for a stronger, more robust defence relationship between all branches of our respective militaries which we look forward to developing further in the coming years.

People-to-People links

The UK and Malta reiterated the importance of supporting and promoting the meaningful people-to-people links between both countries and intend to further these through public diplomacy via our respective High Commissions.

Over 40,000 Maltese citizens reside in the UK, and around 15,000 British citizens reside in Malta; tourist flows between our countries are substantial, with around 700,000 British citizens visiting Malta every year.

The visit of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to mark the 60th anniversary of Malta’s independence in October 2024 reinforced the unique personal ties that continue to bind our nations.

The UK and Malta agreed to regular exchanges to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of operational changes at the border, including the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, the EU European Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).