NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

NATO’s relations with Malta

Malta first joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1995 but suspended its participation in 1996. The country reactivated its PfP membership in April 2008. Malta recognizes that, through the PfP framework, it can help address new security threats and challenges, and contribute to international peace, security and stability.

• Framework for cooperation

  Participation in the PfP programme is compatible with Malta’s commitment to the principle of neutrality. The country views it as an additional instrument that enhances European and Euro-Atlantic security.

  Malta shares the Partnership values and principles of the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms and human rights, and the safeguarding of freedom, justice and peace through democracy.

• Key areas of cooperation

  Security cooperation

  Malta is also considering future participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP). This process would provide a basis for identifying and evaluating select national elements of the armed forces, which could provide capabilities that might be made available for multinational training, exercises and peace-support operations.

  Defence and security sector reform

  Malta is also seeking to exchange information and develop cooperation with NATO and other partner countries in several areas, including the promotion of transparency in defence planning and budgeting, the assurance of democratic control of the armed forces, arms control and the improvement of anti- and counter-terrorism capabilities.

  In the future, Malta may also considering working with Allies and other partners countries to possibly enhance maritime search-and-rescue operational capabilities, handle pollution at sea, in addition to further developing maritime law enforcement and air-space management.

  Civil emergency planning

  Looking forward, Malta may expand its relationship with NATO in several fields, including civil-military coordination and civil protection.

  Public information

  In every partner country an embassy of one of the NATO member states serves as a contact point and operates as a channel for disseminating information about the role and policies of the Alliance. The current NATO Contact Point Embassy in Malta is the embassy of United States of America.

• Evolution of relations

  Malta joined the Partnership for Peace in 1995 before suspending its participation in 1996. In 2008 Malta re-joined the PfP with a view towards contributing to international peace, stability and security. It is considering future participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process.

  Malta’s participation as a NATO partner has much to offer the organization as its relationship develops. The country has special expertise in international maritime law, diplomatic studies and search and rescue, as well as in Arabic culture and language training. It is prepared to offer short courses and seminars in these fields to other partner countries.

  Key milestones

  1995	Malta joins Partnership for Peace Programme.
  1996	Malta suspends involvement in Partnership for Peace Programme.
  2008	Malta reactivates membership in Partnership for Peace Programme.