"Obviously, we are not using the potential of economic cooperation to the fullest. We should, first and foremost, think how, even under the current conditions, to implement mutually beneficial projects in the trade and investment sphere and develop the cooperation in the existing and new fields," Medvedev said following the talks.
According to the prime minister, the bilateral trade cooperation has decreased due to negative economic factors as well as due to the existing economic restrictions.
The sides agreed to maintain more regular contacts than in the past years.
Earlier in the day, Muscat thanked Medvedev for a warm reception and called a long break in mutual visits inexplicable and unforgivable, as the previous meeting between the heads of governments of the two countries took place in 1992.
Since 2014, relations between Russia and the European Union, including Malta, deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and over Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.
