Malta has offered to co-sponsor Italy's call for an EU summit on illegal immigration.

The offer was made by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg earlier this week in a letter to his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini.

Dr Borg's letter was an attempt to extend an olive branch to Italy after strained relations in recent weeks over illegal immigration.

The spat had prompted Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to express his disgust at Italy's decision to refuse rescue to migrants in distress, a comment which Mr Frattini did not take lightly.

Dr Borg sought to reassert the traditional good relations between both countries.

"The bilateral relations between us have transcended the usual cooperation expected of two neighbouring countries.

"It has been complemented by the shared values of freedom, social justice, respect for human rights and democracy as well as European ideals," Dr Borg said. The minister pointed out that the "disproportionate" influx of illegal immigrants was causing internal pressure on both countries since it put a strain on the absorption capacity.

Dr Borg said the matter had to be dealt with by the Council of Ministers, which is the highest political authority in the EU.

"This is an issue which deserves to be dealt with at the highest political level, not least because it requires a more co-ordinated approach between the foreign and home affairs domains," Dr Borg said.