Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement Byron Camilleri held a meeting with the Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese during an official visit to Rome. The bilateral meeting focused on irregular migration in the central Mediterranean and ways in which the two countries can strengthen their collaboration in an effort to address this problem.
Irregular migration is a common challenge for both countries, with thousands trying to flee the North African coast each year to reach Europe through Malta or Italy. During the meeting, the two countries discussed measures that could alleviate the influx of irregular migrants in the central Mediterranean. Both Ministers agreed on the need for greater collaboration, so that fewer people risk their lives at sea, with full respect for the international obligations of both countries.
Malta and Italy also agree that Libya is a partner for both countries on this issue and that there should be more assistance to countries in transit through the European Union in order to combat human trafficking. Minister Camilleri and Minister Lamorgese reiterated their commitment to work with the Government of National Unity which was approved this week.
“Migrants leaving Africa from the central Mediterranean represent the same challenge for Malta and Italy. The potential of the two countries on this issue could be much greater if there is more joint work on this subject,” said Minister Camilleri. He expressed his determination to strengthen the work between Malta and Italy on a technical and operational level.
Other topics related to law enforcement and work against crime were discussed during the meeting, particularly the active collaboration between the two countries in the fight against organised and economic crime.
Photo: MHSE
