During the period of British colonization , the Maltese Greek community leader Ioannis Papafis was a sponsor of the Greek War of Independence .
Many local Greeks also supported the French occupation of Malta , which closely preceded a Franco -- Ottoman war .
During the period of British colonization , the Malta Greek community leader Ioannis Papafis was a sponsor of the Greek War of Independence .
Many local Greeks also supported the French occupation of Malta , which closely preceded a Franco -- Ottoman war .