VALLETTA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Maltese authorities have issued their first gender-neutral passport and identity card, parliamentary secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli said on Tuesday.

Portelli is responsible for government reforms, as well as Identity Malta -- the agency overseeing the issuance of passports, residence permits and identity documents.

Taking to Facebook to make the announcement, the official said the occasion marked another step forward towards greater equality in Malta.

"Identity Malta issued its first identity card and passport with the X mark. A development towards greater equality, that will be affecting the lives of many people," wrote Portelli. "A country in which equality is a priority".

Changes allowing individuals to apply for gender-neutral documentation were introduced last September, when the necessary changes were implemented to the software and systems used by Identity Malta.

Applicants need only take an oath in the presence of a notary and attach it to the standard application.