This was stated by Prime Minister Robert Abela during a joint press conference with the Leaders of the southern countries of the European Union during the Med 7 Summit organized by the French Presidency on the island of Corsica.
Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated that this issue is lacking the importance it deserves on the European agenda and although he acknowledged the help some countries are giving, it cannot be that there will be frequent cases of immigrants continue to be left on boats in the middle of the Mediterranean often due to disagreements.
Dr Abela recalled that the European Union has repeatedly made commitments with regard to immigration, but when these commitments reach the implementation phase, particularly with regard to the fight against criminal circles that lead the illegal immigration of people, they become very little.
Here Robert Abela mentioned the importance of Libya and the African continent in the context of immigration as a country from which many immigrants leave to travel to the center of the Mediterranean.
“The Mediterranean Sea is the only thing that divides the European Union from another continent and therefore the need for close cooperation and work is important not only for the security of the countries of the European Union but for peace, economic development and prosperity in the region, “said Prime Minister Abela.
Dr Abela stressed that the situation in Libya is of great importance and mentioned how Malta is serving as a bridge for a dialogue between Libyans. “It is also important that economic activity in Libya resumes,” the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Robert Abela also referred to what is happening in the Eastern Mediterranean and showed solidarity with his Greek and Cypriot colleagues. “We are looking at the situation in this part of the Mediterranean but we must reiterate that Malta is a neutral country, and therefore the position is clear, that the sovereignty of countries must be respected on the basis of laws. Dialogue is the main vehicle for this situation “, concluded Dr Robert Abela.
The leaders of France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal also spoke at the press conference.
