Justice Minister Chris Said held a meeting this afternoon with Dutch Immigration Minister Gerd Leers on ways to broaden EU solidarity for the relocation of asylum seekers.

Dr Said was accompanied by Beppe Fenech Adami, parliamentary assistant in the Home Affairs Ministry, while Mr Leers was flanked by Dutch Ambassador Robert Gabriëlse.

The Netherlands took 20 asylum seekers from Malta last June and is likely to accept more. 

Dr Said thanked Mr Leers for Dutch solidarity, saying it was a "good step in the right direction" but he insisted that greater commitment was needed.

"It is time to move from voluntary relocation to a more permanent scheme," the minister said.

Mr Leers said that he was "convinced" of the need for solidarity with EU border states on this issue, adding that he could understand the pressure faced by Malta "very well".

The meeting continued behind closed doors.

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