Malta has been an independent state since 1964 and Germany has maintained diplomatic relations with the country since 1965. Malta has been an EU member state since 1 May 2004.

Germany is one of Malta’s most important economic and trading partners, with between 50 and 60 German companies currently operating in Malta. German direct investment in Malta stood at 17.1 billion euro in 2020. The German-Maltese Circle has fostered cultural relations between Malta and Germany since 1962. It offers language classes and organises events such as exhibitions, film screenings and concerts, thus filling the gap caused by the absence of a Goethe-Institut in the country.

There are also a number of joint projects between the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology with various German educational institutions. The Federal Foreign Office is funding a Chair in Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention in the Mediterranean area at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies.