Migration, the situation in Libya and developments in Ukraine were the main items discussed today between Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella and Germany’s Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth.

Both ministers agreed on the absolute necessity of the EU adopting a united stance to change the present system whereby few countries were heavily burdened with the constant influx of migrants.

The two ministers agreed that solidarity had to prevail within the EU. Europe has to focus on saving as many lives as possible, fighting the smugglers and human traffickers, showing solidarity with member states that were most affected by this phenomenon, and do its utmost to stabilise the region.

Both sides also expressed concern about the bleak situation in Libya, especially with ISIS getting stronger there and presenting a threat to neighbouring countries. Efforts were needed at UN level to help in the forming of a national unity government.

On Ukraine, the two parties noted with regret the existing challenges and that all sides involved needed to adopt a more constructive approach for matters to be pushed forward.

Mr Roth expressed Germany’s appreciation of the constructive role Malta has taken, despite the severe difficulties it encountered in the field of migration.