In the first such meeting after the Arab Spring, Malta yesterday hosted the leaders of nine western Mediterranean countries at the start of the 5+5 summit.

The summit was postponed last year in the wake of the uprisings in Libya and Tunisia, both members of the organisation.

The 5+5 grouping brings together five EU member states – Malta, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal – and five northern African countries, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania.

But the two-day Malta summit took on a higher significance after the heads of government of all member countries confirmed their participation, including those of Italy, France and Spain.

This prompted tight security arrangements that were evident in Valletta and at Verdala Palace in Buskett where the meetings took place.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi welcomed the leaders at Castille.

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