Italy is supporting Malta's bid to host the new European Asylum Support Office, Italian Secretary of State Enzo Scotti said yesterday.

His public declaration of support follows that of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who confirmed his country's backing for Malta's bid when visiting the island two weeks ago.

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg yesterday confirmed Malta enjoyed the support of more countries but did not reveal any names.

It is understood that six other countries have signalled their intention to support the Maltese bid to host the Commission's new asylum office, though Malta faces stiff competition from Bulgaria.

Dr Borg and Prof. Scotti were speaking at the launch of a bilingual publication by the Maltese foreign office outlining the various projects financed by Italian Protocol funds between 1979 and 2002, which totalled almost €1 billion.

Prof. Scotti emphasised the need for Europe to start looking more towards the south after having focused its energies on the east.

He noted that despite the difficulties that might arise from time to time between Malta and Italy, the two countries had a lasting relationship.

"We have managed together to put immigration on the EU's agenda and need to continue explaining that immigration is not just an Italian or Maltese problem but a European one," Prof. Scotti said.

The European Asylum Support Office, a new institution proposed by the Commission, got the green light from member states earlier this year.

The agency will help coordinate and step up cooperation on asylum between member states and will be a first step towards harmonising different national practices.

During the launch Dr Borg also announced that Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano has accepted an invitation to visit Malta next year.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com