Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning visited the AFM Maritime Squadron at Haywharf, where he thanked the personnel for the work they have been doing, particularly with regard to search and rescue operations.

"The problem of illegal immigration affects the country as a whole, but the members of the Maritime Squadron are the first to come face to face with it, often in very difficult circumstance," Dr Gonzi said, while also paying tribute to other sections of the AFM involved in such operations.

Dr Gonzi spoke on how the government over the past year improved the working conditions of soldiers and said the government was also considering the purchase of new patrol boats for the Maritime Squadron.

The Prime Minister was greeted by the commander AFM, Brig Carmel Vassallo, and shown around the base by the acting commander of the squadron, Major Wallace Camilleri. The patrol boats were “dressed overall” for the occasion.

He was also briefed about the daily activities of the Maritime Squadron and infrastructural work at the base, including the recent extension of the quay and the current building of new quarters.