The President Mauritania, Mohamed Abdel Aziz became the first head of government to arrive for the meeting of West Mediterranean Nations (the 5+5) which Malta will host tomorrow. He was welcomed by minister Jason Azzopardi and later met Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Most of the heads of government will arrive tomorrow.
They will include French President Holland, Italian Prime minister Mario Monti and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who will also hold a separate tri-lateral meeting on the latest developments in the eurozone.
They are expected to be joined by EU Commission President Juan Manoel Barroso, who will also be in Malta for the 5+5 meeting.
Most of the proceedings will be held at Verdala Castle although the opening ceremony will be held at the Auberge de Castille. The focus of the 5+5 meeting will be on regional security, economic ties and illegal immigration.