Malta, a tiny island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, has found itself at the crossroads of global politics once again. This time, it’s not the usual European Union squabbles or migration debates that have put Malta on the world map. Instead, it’s the impending visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is set to jet off to Beijing straight after his Malta stopover. But why Malta, and why now?

The Trump Factor: A Tale of Two Summits

Putin’s visit to Malta comes hot on the heels of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK. While Trump was busy charming the Queen and causing a stir with his red tie and golfing antics, Putin was watching from afar, no doubt eager to show that Russia’s ties with China are as unshakeable as ever. And what better way to do that than by making a pit stop in Malta, a country that’s no stranger to geopolitical drama?

Remember, Malta was once the stage for the 2015 Russia-EU summit, where Putin and then-European Council President Donald Tusk faced off over the Ukraine crisis. This time around, Putin’s visit is expected to be a low-key affair, with no EU leaders in sight. Instead, he’ll be meeting with Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, who’s been busy preparing for the visit, saying, “We want to send a message that Malta is open for business.”

Malta: The Mediterranean’s Geopolitical Crossroads

Malta’s strategic location has always made it a hub for international relations. From the Knights of St. John to the present day, Malta has been a meeting point for powers great and small. Today, it’s a member of the EU and NATO, but it also maintains strong ties with Russia, making it an ideal halfway house for Putin’s Asian getaway.

But Malta’s not just a convenient stopover. It’s also a country that’s looking to diversify its trade relations, especially in the wake of Brexit. With the UK accounting for around 15% of Malta’s exports, Malta is eager to explore new markets, including Russia. As Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Ian Borg put it, “We want to strengthen our economic ties with Russia.”

What’s on the Menu? Trade, Ties, and a Bit of History

So, what’s on the agenda for Putin’s visit? Trade, of course, is high on the list. Malta’s looking to boost its exports to Russia, while Russia is eager to find new markets for its goods. But it’s not all about business. Putin’s also expected to touch on cultural ties, with a visit to the ancient city of Mdina, where he’ll no doubt be reminded of Russia’s own rich history.

And then there’s the small matter of the Russian Orthodox Church. With a significant Russian Orthodox community in Malta, Putin’s visit is also a chance to strengthen religious ties. After all, as the Russian proverb goes, “Guest is a gift from God,” and Putin’s no stranger to using soft power to win hearts and minds.

But don’t expect any major announcements or breakthroughs. This visit is more about symbolism than substance. It’s a chance for Putin to show that Russia’s not isolated, that it’s still a player on the global stage, and that its ties with China are as strong as ever. And for Malta, it’s a chance to show that it’s open for business, no matter who’s in the White House or the Kremlin.