[WATCH] Malta’s presidency to bring EU's attention to Mediterranean issues - George Vella

Foreign minister George Vella meets Eu foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. Video: Ivan Consiglio

Malta's presidency of the council of Europe will be a good opportunity to give the EU a 'slant' towards the Mediterranean, foreign affairs minister George Vella has said. 

He said that the presidency will seek to tackle political problems in the Mediterranean as well as others issues such as climate change.

Vella was speaking at a press conference together with Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini.

Vella said that Morgherini’s visit is part of the official dialogue between Malta and the EU in the build up to the presidency.

Vella also said that during the presidency, Malta will be emphasising the fact that the Mediterranean is a part of Europe, adding that it is essential for stability and security in Europe.

Mogherini, who is also the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, agreed that this is an excellent time to be focusing on the Mediterranean.

European Commission Vice-President Frederica Morgherini said this is an excellent time to be focusing on the Mediterranean PHOTO: Ivan Consiglio

She said that Malta’s presidency will offer the EU the opportunity to work with African countries not only on migration, but also on issues of partnership and growth.

“There should be a focus on positive agenda for the Mediterranean,” she said, adding that she has high hopes that an agreement could soon be reached on the unification of Cyprus.

Moreover, she said that investment in the youth, both in the Mediterranean and Europe, is a top priority going forward.

"We must rediscover the Mediterranean as a place of exchanges and not only crisis," said the Vice-President.

Mogherini also highlighted the situation in Libya as a main priority. “The EU is currently engaged in military operations in the Mediterranean which Malta is a part of. These operations are aimed at disrupting human smuggling networks,” she said.

"The Mediterranean is just the tip of the iceberg. Many people die in the desert as well as in other parts of the journey these people make to get the sea."

She said that a number of people have been arrested as well as a number of vessels seized as part of this operation.

According to Mogherini, the EU was now starting to see results because it understood that dialogue and investment in Africa and other regions is key to solving the migration problem.

"We have started to see results in Niger and we are cooperating with authorities to make life of smugglers there, more difficult - arresting people in Nigeria and seizing vehicles. We have also stated to give financial alternative to the people of Niger," she said.

Mogherini remarked that it has been a while since the presidency faced so many challenges, with concerns about both the Mediterranean as well as the Baltics.

“Despite the challenges I am convinced that the presidency will help to focus Europes attention on the challenges in the Mediterranean,” she said.