[WATCH] Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer to ‘explore possibility’ of Malta logistics centre

Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer to ‘explore possibility’ of Malta logistics centre

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced this afternoon that Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov was actively considering opening up a logistics centre in Malta.  

“This would supplement the already growing maintenance, repair and operations business that includes Lufthansa and SR technics,” Muscat said. “The addition of this type of aircraft will further strengthen Malta’s reputation as one of the world leaders in aviation maintenance.”

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, who personally discussed the possible investment with Antonov’s top brass, said that both him and Muscat were surprised at the amount of Antonov aircraft servicing North Africa.

“It’s a very big market. I am convinced that Antonov will follow the wise decision of Lufthansa,” he said. “Together we can make Malta a capital for aircraft logistics.”

In addition to this, Muscat announced the possibility of opening up a regional grain terminal for the distribution of Ukrainian grain.

“In particular, we are looking at investments in the Kordin grain terminal to efficiently distribute Ukrainian grain across North Africa,” Muscat said.

Poroshenko on his part said that the “unique opportunity for cooperation in agriculture” could also help Ukrainian grain penetrate the European Market.

He added that he was very impressed by negotiations with Muscat, which he described as very practical.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the addition of the aircraft would strengthen Malta's reputation as one of the world's leaders in aviation maintenance (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)

European matters

In addition to bilateral talks, Muscat said that the two leaders had discussed matters relating to the presidency of the European Council, where he reiterated Malta’s support of the Europeanisation of Ukraine. Muscat added that he was happy to have managed to push through a number of Ukraine-related dossiers during the presidency, including the Ukrainian Visa liberalisation programme.

“Our support for an undivided Ukraine and its territorial integrity is obvious,” Muscat said. “Europe is united on this front and will continue with this support for the Ukraine.”

Moreover, Muscat said it was his hope the Maltese presidency could make further progress and close other dossiers on Ukraine.

Poroshenko thanked the Maltese President, Prime Minister and Parliament for their “reliable support”, and said that over the two years more had been done between the two countries than ever before, including the signing of a treaty on the avoidance of double taxation. He said this would improve business relations between Malta and the Ukraine. 

He also thanked Muscat for a “very efficient presidency”, insisting that, with an agreement having been reached on visa-free travel, it had already delivered.  

“Tomorrow I will sign documents for visa free travel,” he said. “This is our joint achievement. Thank you very much because it is very important for my 45 million citizens.”