The AFM today hosted a visit by Simon Busuttil MEP, who was recently appointed EPP spokesman on the EU´s Frontex agency which deals with the Union´s external borders.

Dr Busuttil expressed his great appreciation for the AFM's endeavours in its ongoing commitment to border control.

"The EPP is keen to help shape the future of this agency and to ensure that it fulfils its tasks in helping EU Member States face the challenge of illegal immigration." he said.

Dr Busuttil was welcomed by Commanding Officer 4 Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Gerald DeGaeatano. During his visit to the AFM's Operations Centre, Colonel Emanuel Mallia (AFM Operations Officer) and Lieutenant Colonel Martin Sammut, officer-in-charge of the Ops. Centre, briefed Dr Busuttil on the 24/7 duties performed by the soldiers, especially with regards the Frontex-coordinated operations aimed at countering illegal migration from North Africa.

AFM Commander, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo and Colonel Martin Xuereb, Deputy Commander, later also discussed Frontex operations, how these operations could be developed, their implications and the inherent challenges.

Dr Busuttil was able to appreciate how the External Borders Fund was assisting the AFM and how it could further help in extending its capabilities to respond to the ever-increasing challenges

AFM officers explained the day to day interaction between MALTA/AFM and Frontex and possible ways to improve this relationship. In February this year, the European Commission published a set of proposals on illegal immigration, including proposals to review the remit of Frontex and widen its mandate, a proposal to establish a European surveillance network (Eurosur) and a proposal to regulate the entry and exit of non-EU nationals into the EU territory.