Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr George W. Vella today received Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office, at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Valletta for official talks. Amongst the prominent issues discussed were migration, the situation in Libya and developments in Ukraine.

With regard to migration, both Ministers agreed on the absolute necessity of the EU adopting a united stance in order to change the present system whereby few countries are heavily burdened with the constant influx of migrants. The two Ministers agreed that solidarity has to prevail within the EU. The approach proposed by the European Commission was commended and that it is now up to the Member States to implement the proposals in the migration agenda. While the problem is a very complex one, Europe has to focus on saving as many lives as possible, fighting the smugglers and human traffickers, showing solidarity with Member States that are most affected by this phenomenon, and do its utmost to stabilise the region.

Both sides also expressed their concern about the bleak situation in Libya, especially with ISIS getting stronger there and presenting a threat to neighbouring countries as well. Efforts are needed at UN level in order to help in the forming of a national unity government.

On Ukraine, the two parties noted with regret the existing challenges and that all sides involved needed to adopt a more constructive approach in order for matters to be pushed forward. In this regard, the implementation of the Minsk agreement remains of crucial importance.

Minister of State Michael Roth expressed Germany’s appreciation of the constructive role that Malta has taken, despite the severe difficulties it encounters in the field of migration.