Bermuda’s Ministry of Finance has announced the signing of a bilateral tax information exchange agreement with the Republic of Malta.The agreement, which took place in London yesterday, was signed by Joseph Zammit Tabona, High Commissioner for Malta, and by Premier Paula Cox.“It is, therefore, truly a pleasure today to expand our TIEA network with the Republic of Malta and to continue our working relationship with Malta in the Global Forum,” said the Premier.The TIEA which provides for a full exchange of information between the two countries marks Bermuda’s 30th agreement for the exchange of information on tax matters and was, said Ms Cox, a further demonstration of Bermuda’s commitment to being a responsible player in the global finance sector.“The value of signing this, our newest TIEA, is a protective and pre-emptive measure to strengthen Bermuda’s position so we are exempt from harsher more punitive future legislative measures,” she said. “It helps solidify our relationship with the European Union and marks the 12th Tax Information Exchange Agreement with an EU member state.“Negotiations took place in Bermuda during the Global Forum held in Bermuda May 31 and June 1 of this year and I am delighted the good will created by our respective negotiating teams is solidified by Bermuda and the Republic of Malta signing the TIEA today in the UK.