Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis said today that the EU needed to strengthen Frontex, and eventually create a European Coast Guard.

Speaking after talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at the Auberge de Castille, Mr Karamalis said illegal immigration was a major concern for both Greece and Malta and it was imperative that the EU responded "jointly and effectively".

"Greece strongly supports the Immigration and Asylum Pact because it brings to the forefront European solidarity."

Immigration was a common European problem and concrete steps had to be taken to address it, he said. The Pact was an important step, but not the final step.It was a serious sign that the EU was taking a stand on the issue. (see video clip)

Mr Karamalis said that his talks with Dr Gonzi had also included the current financial crisis, the Lisbon Treaty and bilateral relations.

Tourism, he said, was viewed as being the most promising area for joint ventures, and the two countries should also further exploit their maritime background - Greece and Malta have two of the biggest shipping registers in the world.