Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta Dr. Robert Abela in Valletta today. Secretary Esper expressed appreciation for the historic partnership between the United States and Malta that dates back to the American Revolution. The two leaders recognized the common values and mutual concerns both nations share, and Secretary Esper noted Malta’s strategic role in the Mediterranean. The two leaders discussed the complex security challenges facing the Mediterranean, and explored ways to collaborate on transnational challenges like maritime security, terrorism, and illicit trafficking. Secretary Esper welcomed the opportunity to strengthen bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation with Malta as like-minded, sovereign nations.