Malta and Italy discussed defence, security and immigration today in talks in Rome between Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti and Interior Minister Angelino Alfano.

The Maltese government said ministers Pinotti and Abela discussed defence, security and migration. They agreed that security in Europe is dependent on security and stability in the Mediterranean.

During Mr Abela's meeting with Ms Pinotti, the Italian minister spoke positively about the collaboration between Malta and Italy in Operation Mare Nostrum and thanked Malta for its support while welcoming the transition into Frontex Joint Operation Triton.

Mr Abela spoke about Malta’s investment in two new SAR-configured helicopters and current negotiations for a third one. He emphasized the need for Maltese military personnel to continue to train in Italian military institutions and highlighted its importance for improving the interoperability of the Italian and Maltese military.

Minister Alfano spoke about the close cooperation between the two countries on migration and stressed the need for a common front in the EU.

Mr Abela said the EU needed to engage with countries from where migrants originated in order to create economic opportunities that would enable would-be migrants to stay at home.

The current situation in Libya was also discussed.

The Maltese and Italian armed forces have collaborated closely for decades and Italy has a small military mission in Malta engaged mostly in training Maltese personnel and helping in search and rescue.

 

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