Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield today held a bilateral meeting with Italy’s Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, reaffirming the strong and longstanding partnership between Malta and Italy.
The discussions focused on migration, security, law enforcement cooperation, and civil protection, with both ministries underscoring the importance of close coordination in addressing shared challenges in the Central Mediterranean.
On migration, the ministers highlighted the positive results achieved through joint efforts, including the sustained reduction in irregular arrivals along the Central Mediterranean route. Discussions centered on the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the strengthening of return systems, enhanced cooperation with key countries of origin and transit, and the development of practical and innovative solutions to tackle irregular migration more effectively.
Minister Bedingfield reiterated Malta’s support for a stronger external dimension of EU migration policy, continued engagement with Libya, and the implementation of innovative measures that can deliver tangible results in reducing irregular migration and combating smuggling networks, in particular, the establishment of return hubs.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in promoting a secure, orderly, and sustainable approach to migration while strengthening stability and security across the region.
The ministers also reviewed the excellent cooperation between Maltese and Italian law enforcement authorities, which continues to deliver concrete results in tackling organized crime, financial crime, drug trafficking, and other cross-border threats. Minister Bedingfield thanked Italy for its ongoing support, including specialized training, operational cooperation, and knowledge exchange.
Civil protection and emergency preparedness also featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in firefighting, disaster response, and emergency management.
Concluding the meeting, both ministers stressed that shared Mediterranean challenges require shared solutions. Ministers Bedingfield and Piantedosi agreed to continue working closely together to strengthen security, promote stability, and advance a more effective and sustainable European approach to migration.
Photo: MHS
