[WATCH] Common vision necessary to demand commitment from other EU countries- Italian president

Common vision necessary for commitment by other EU countries

Italian president Sergio Mattarella said that Malta and Italy’s common vision and support was necessary to secure more commitment from other European countries.

Maltese presidents Marie Louise Coleiro Preca joined Mattarella saying that the two countries were looking forward to discussing their views and issues at the upcoming EU-Africa summit next November, as well as during a summit to be held in Germany next September, which would see 12 heads of European states discussing pertinent issues to be discussed at the EU Africa summit.

Coleiro Preca said that both countries had traditionally had common views about the way to tackle issues that plagued the region.

“Our countries hold dear the idea of instilling peace and stability throughout the Mediterranean region,” she said, making particular reference to the countries’ opinions on migration and the Libyan crisis.

Mattarella further added that Malta and Italy had enjoyed an “excellent relationship” for many years, both due to their common views and thanks to the free exchange of cultures and people.

“This visit is a statement of support and allegiance between these two countries,” he said.

Mattarella added that Malta and Italy also shared opinions about how to tackle the ever rising fundamentalism in North African countries, through establishing string democracies.

“Our message needs to be heard,” Mattarella added, saying that the first step in this mission was the decision to distribute the arriving migrants amongst EU countries.