The evident rise of extremist and terrorist entities in Libya was a very alarming factor that needed to be addressed, Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella said today.

Speaking during a meeting of the Med 7 group that was convened to discuss unfolding developments in the region, in particular the crises in Libya and Syria, Dr Vella also highlighted the importance of keeping the migration issue firmly in sight and called for EU solidarity in this respect.

He said that prevailing instability in Libya would result in increased influxes of migrants in the coming months.

Dr Vella described the situation in Libya as an increasing growth threat to security and stability in Europe.

He welcomed the fact that the matter was brought to the UN Security Council following a further deterioration of events during the week and reiterated Malta’s support to the reconciliation efforts being made by the UN special envoy Bernardino Leon.

He said Malta actively supported deeper engagement with important regional partners such as the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

“Every opportunity and existing mechanism should be availed of to spread a culture of tolerance in Europe’s neighbourhood,” he said.

The Med 7 group is composed of France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal and Malta.

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