Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo met his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, during a working visit for discussions on Libya, the situation in the Mediterranean and irregular migration.
In the presence of Minister Byron Camilleri and Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, the two sides agreed on the priority for a ceasefire in Libya, and on the need to continue the political process that should result in lasting solutions for peace and stability. They also agreed that the future of Libya should be determined by the Libyans themselves, who should be free to translate the wealth that has endowed this country into an economic recovery and a decent quality of life for all Libyans. Minister Bartolo stressed that this goal can only be achieved through a single and united Libya, in the hands of the Libyans.
On irregular migration, the Ministers agreed on the need for an automatic relocation mechanism to ensure that the burden is shared fairly between all members of the European Union. Minister Bartolo reiterated that, while relocation eases the burden on border countries, this is not a permanent solution because it does not stop migrants from leaving their country. In this regard, he stressed that the European Union must work hand in hand with Africa to address the root of the problem, support economic development, and offer a safe and sustainable future for such migrants in their own countries.
Minister Bartolo added that the southern European border is fully exposed to the abuse of human smugglers in the central Mediterranean, with only two vessels at the Libyan Coast Guard’s disposal to protect its border. In this context, he argued that the European Union should do more to protect its borders because, without security and stability in the Mediterranean, one cannot have security and stability in Europe.
