Malta has been an independent state since 1964; Germany has maintained diplomatic relations with the country since 1965.

Germany is one of Malta’s most important economic and trading partners. Some 60 German companies currently operate in Malta. Most recent German direct investment in Malta totalled 14.1 billion euro. German tourists are the fourth-largest group of visitors to the island.

The German-Maltese Circle based in Valletta has fostered cultural relations between Malta and Germany since 1962. The German-Maltese Circle fills the gap caused by the absence of a Goethe-Institut in the country, organising events such as exhibitions, film screenings and concerts, as well as language courses. It receives funding from the GI as part of its support for cultural associations.

The German-Maltese Association, founded in 1991 and based in Adenau in Germany, is an independent non-profit organisation working to promote relations between Germany and Malta. It organises events, provides support (including financial support) for school trips and is involved in the annual Europe Day celebrations in Bonn.

The Malta Centre based at Bremen University holds conferences of the International Association for Maltese Linguistics and offers courses in Maltese. The Centre’s library is home to more than 1100 books in the Maltese language.

In addition, the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology are involved in various cooperation projects with German educational institutions. The Federal Foreign Office funds a Chair in Peace Studies and Conflict Prevention in the Mediterranean area at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies.