Environment Minister Leo Brincat emphasised on the topic of migration, during a GYMMNICH informal meeting in Luxembourg.

Mr Brincat attended the meeting on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella who recently underwent surgery.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Brincat said that the continuing death of migrants is an intolerable tragedy that must be stopped, especially in view of the fact that this problem is also now spilling over to other EU countries around the Balkan and Eastern region.

In view of this, the EU needs to redouble its efforts and address the festering areas of conflict especially in the Middle East (Syria) and Africa and disrupt the efforts of people smugglers.

He said that the EU must step up its role as a key player in the Middle East Peace Process, while highlighting the need for donors to increase their support for UNRWA.

The upcoming Valletta Summit which will be held on the 11 and 12th November will aim at addressing the daunting challenges of migration.