Malta, Italy discuss security and stability in the Mediterranean

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela held two separate meetings with Italian defence minister Roberta Pinotti and interior minister Angelino Alfano during which security and stability in the Mediterranean were discussed.

The meetings coincided with the latest tragedy that struck migrants crossings in the Mediterranean where at least 20 men are feared to have perished. A total of 87 migrants were rescued by the Armed Forces of Malta yesterday morning. The migrants, of Sub-Saharan African origin, told authorities they had departed from Libya.

Libya was one of the points discussed and the ministers agreed to maintain the momentum created by the Italian Presidency and ensure that the Libyan situation is kept on top of the EU agenda.

Pinotti and Abela discussed the shared common agenda between Malta and Italy with regards to defence, security and migration. They agreed that security in Europe is dependent on security and stability in the Mediterranean.

During the meeting, Pinotti spoke positively about the collaboration between Malta and Italy in Operation Mare Nostrum and thanked Malta for its support while welcoming its transition into Frontex Joint Operation Triton.

 Abela spoke about Malta’s investment in two new search-and-rescue configured helicopters and its current negotiations for a third one.  Abela emphasized the need for AFM personnel to continue to train in Italian military institutions and highlighted its importance for improving the interoperability of the Italian and Maltese military. 

Alfano spoke about the close cooperation between the two countries on migration in the Mediterranean region and stressed the importance of showing a common front with all EU Member States in order to mitigate the influx of illegal immigrants.

Abela expressed the need to engage with countries of origin in order to create economic opportunities within these countries.