THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA and MALTA hereinafter referred to as "Contracting Parties",

DESIRING to create favourable conditions for greater economic co-operation between the Contracting Parties,

RECOGNIZING that the promotion and mutual protection of investments may strengthen the readiness for such investments and thereby make an important contribution to the development of economic relations between the Contracting Parties,

REAFFIRMING their commitment to the observance of internationally recognized labour standards, in striving to achieve the objectives of this Agreement,