PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND SECURITY Minister Glenn Bedingfield calls for deeper Malta-Italy Defence Cooperation

The Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Glenn Bedingfield, met Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto in Rome on Monday 19 October 2026, where they discussed how Malta and Italy can work more closely to strengthen security in the Central Mediterranean. 

Minister Bedingfield said that Malta’s close cooperation with Italy is important because it continues to deliver practical benefits for Malta, particularly by strengthening the country’s ability to protect its maritime and airspace security, respond to emerging threats, and safeguard critical infrastructure. 

“Italy is one of Malta’s closest and most trusted partners. Our cooperation is strong, but we can do more,” Minister Bedingfield stated.

The two Ministers discussed how Italy can continue supporting Malta through its cooperation with the Armed Forces by means of new equipment and training. They also discussed the importance of working closely with Libya as a key Mediterranean partner. 

Minister Bedingfield also proposed greater cooperation between Mediterranean countries on challenges they have in common, from protecting their maritime security and essential infrastructure.

At the same time, the Minister reaffirmed that Malta’s international security cooperation will continue to fully respect the country’s constitutional neutrality. 

Concluding the meeting, Minister Bedingfield stressed that Malta’s security is closely linked to the security of the Mediterranean and called for concrete follow-up between the Maltese and Italian authorities.