Malta and UK Reaffirm Commitment to Enhanced Defence Partnership

Foreign Ministers Reaffirm Strategic Ties

In a significant move to bolster their longstanding relationship, Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met in London in November 2025. The meeting served to reaffirm the two nations' commitment to further developing their Bilateral Co-operation Plan on defence, an agreement initially signed in April 2025. This reaffirmation underscores the enduring partnership between Malta and the United Kingdom, built on mutual cooperation across various sectors.

A Foundation of Historical and Ongoing Cooperation

The relationship between Malta and the UK is underpinned by a rich history and a shared commitment to security. The 2023 UK-Malta Bilateral Cooperation Framework provides a broad foundation for collaboration, encompassing foreign policy, security, defence, trade, and other areas. Defence and security ties have historically been close, reinforced by mutual provision of armed forces' training and support for UK overseas operations. Malta, a former British colony that gained independence in 1964 and became a republic in 1974, has maintained strong links, including membership in the Commonwealth.

Key Pillars of the April 2025 Defence Plan

The wide-ranging Bilateral Co-operation Plan on defence, signed in April 2025 between the Armed Forces of Malta and the UK Ministry of Defence, lays the groundwork for a more robust defence relationship across all branches of their respective militaries. Key aspects of this plan include:

• Military Training: The UK continues to provide military training for Maltese officers at its Single Service Officer Training Schools.
• Naval and Air Support: Malta has supported Royal Naval ship visits for routine logistical support and trials for longer-term maintenance. Regular visits by Royal Air Force aircraft also facilitate the UK Armed Forces' global operations.
• NATO Partnership for Peace: The UK is assisting Malta's participation in the NATO Partnership for Peace programme, enhancing Malta's engagement in international security initiatives.

This plan is designed to strengthen the capabilities and interoperability of both nations' armed forces.

Addressing Shared Challenges and International Issues

Beyond defence, the two governments remain committed to tackling shared challenges. Discussions between Minister Borg and Secretary Cooper also covered critical international developments, including threats to peace in Europe and the issue of irregular migration. Both countries cooperate closely in international institutions and share common views on major global issues, such as supporting the two-state solution in the Middle East and expressing solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia's aggression. The UK and Malta also continue to deepen cooperation on the external dimension of migration, sharing information and best practices to combat irregular migration, modern slavery, human smuggling, and trafficking.

Outlook for Future Collaboration

The recent meeting and the ongoing development of the Bilateral Co-operation Plan signify a renewed commitment to a deeper and more comprehensive partnership between Malta and the United Kingdom. Both nations aspire to facilitate an ambitious and dynamic relationship, ensuring continued cooperation on security, defence, and broader international affairs.