Updated Monday

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat expressed confidence this morning that under the Italian presidency, the Mediterranean can become central to EU policies and actions.

Dr Muscat was speaking as he welcomed Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta to the Auberge de Castille for talks on immigration, bilateral issues and EU affairs.

Italy assumes the presidency of the EU in the second half of next year.

Mr Letta arrived in Malta late yesterday and this morning also had a meeting with Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.

In brief comments before his meeting with Dr Muscat, Mr Letta referred to EU affairs and said that Italy wanted to see the bloc focused on growth after the problems of the past few years.

The two prime ministers are due to visit an Italian warship engaged in anti-immigration patrols after addressing a joint press conference later this morning..

The talks with Dr Busuttil were held at the Excelsior Hotel, where the Italian Prime Minister stayed overnight.

Mr Letta arrived late yesterday accompanied by Defence Minister Mario Mauro. They went on a sightseeing tour of Vittoriosa soon after they arrived. 

Photo: Paul Spiteri LucasPhoto: Paul Spiteri Lucas

Mr Letta will meet AFM personnel including the crew involved in the rescue mission off Lampedusa on October 11.

The two prime ministers will then head to the Valletta Cruise Liner Terminal to board the Italian destroyer Luigi Durand de la Penne.

The original plan was for the two Prime Ministers to go on the amphibious assault ship 'San Marco', which is engaged in the operation Mare Nostrum, a military and humanitarian operation in the central Mediterranean.

However, plans had to be changed as the San Marco is currently involved in an migration rescue operation and will be taking 176 Syrian immigrants to Catania, where they are expected to arrive tomorrow.

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