President discusses migration with Spanish PM

President Eddie Fenech Adami yesterday met Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on the second day of his state visit to Spain.

The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo.

When discussing the problem of irregular immigration, Dr Fenech Adami said that once immigrants, coming from culturally diverse backgrounds, were granted the right to stay in a host country they may not succeed in integrating with the society in which they would be living. He said southern European countries need to coordinate their efforts in dealing with such problems.

The President and Mr Zapatero noted the strong relations between the two countries, both European Union member states with a Mediterranean dimension. The President underlined the fact that, since its inception to date, the EU has made remarkable achievements in promoting peace and security.

They also discussed the future of the EU and the Union's involvement in international affairs.

President Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami visited the City Hall of Madrid where they were welcomed by the mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón. The President was conferred with the title of Distinguished Guest of the City of Madrid.

He also met Mgr Antonio Maria Ruoco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid.

Dr Frendo and his Spanish counterpart, Miguel Angel Moratinos, signed a convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.