The Slovak Republic has excellent bilateral relations with Malta, both in political and economic spheres, partly due to Malta’s backing of the Slovak Republic to join the eurozone. Slovakia and Malta both joined the EU in 2004. While Malta adopted the euro as its national currency in 2008, Slovakia following suit the following year.
As of 2008, Slovakia and Malta had six bilateral agreements dealing with cooperation in the avoidance of double taxation, air services, health care, combating crime, visa abolition, and investment. In September 2009, Malta and Slovakia signed a memorandum of understanding setting the framework within which authorities from the two countries will identify, screen and facilitate the process of adoption of Slovak children by couples in Malta.
In 2008, Slovakian agency SARIA signed a treaty of reciprocal assistance related to third world countries with Malta Enterprise. In September 2011, President George Abela and his Slovak counterpart, Ivan Gašparovi signed a memorandum of understanding at the Malta Chamber of Commerce in Valletta. President Gašparovi, who came for a three-day state visit to Malta, was accompanied by a business delegation made up of representatives from more than 10 Slovak companies. He emphasized the “untapped potential” in trade and commercial relations between Malta and Slovakia.
Trade between the two EU member states increased significantly over recent years although the figures remain rather low. In 2010, Malta exported €1.7 million worth of goods to Slovakia and imported €2.8 million worth. Pharmaceuticals made up the bulk of exports and most of the imports consisted of vehicles, machinery and mechanical appliances.
The president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, Tancred Tabona said trade between Malta and Slovakia was “only the tip of the iceberg”, particularly when the two states enjoyed high levels of mutual political trust. While Slovakia was the gateway to Eastern Europe, Malta could be a “valuable springboard” to North Africa and the Middle East.
Malta is represented in Slovakia through a non resident ambassador based in Valletta (in the Foreign Ministry). Slovakia is represented in Malta through its embassy in Rome (Italy) and an honorary consulate in Valletta.
[Full List of Malta Double Taxation Agreements]