Republic in formal talks (5)

I believe the answer is:

malta

'republic' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in formal talks' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'MALTA' is hidden within 'formal talks'.

(Other definitions for malta that I've seen before include "A Med. island" , "Mediterranean island awarded the George Cross" , "The capital is Valetta" , "Island member of the European Union" , "GC island" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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