Malta to rejoin partnership with NATO

21 March 2008

Valletta, Malta (dpa) – Malta has decided to reactivate its membership in the Partnership for Peace (Pfp) a defence co-operation agreement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the government said Thursday.

The Mediterranean island-state joined the PfP in 1995 but withdrew its membership in 1996, following a change in government.

Joining the PfP will not effect Malta’s neutrality but will enhance its participation within the EU, the government explained in a statement.

PfP membership would allow Malta’s armed forces to participate in international humanitarian and rescue operations, the statement said.

The PfP currently consists of 22 nations that have committed to a series of principles including preserving democracy and honouring international disarmament and arms control agreements, as well as sharing defence plans with NATO.