Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today said that the EU does not want its citizens or UK citizens to be used as pawns during Brexit negotiations.

The Prime Minister's comments were made minutes after the UK officially triggered article 50, at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

Mr Rajoy expressed his disappointment at the triggering of the Brexit clause, while Prime Minister Muscat described today's event as "sad".

"It is a big leap into the unknown for everyone. It's a sad day for Europe, nobody can rejoice about what happened today".

"There are consequences for everyone," Dr Muscat said, expressing his interest in the way the bloc can "mitigate these consequences".

Pressed on the rights that will be demanded on both sides of the isle for EU citizens living in the UK and vice versa, Dr Muscat said rights need to be preserved and that he is not permitted to divulge concrete details at this stage.

He said that he wants to keep the current status for EU students and citizens in the UK, as well as retaining current fees for such students.

Mr Rajoy congratulated Malta on its Council Presidency which has not been easy due to political turmoil. He sent a message of peace and hope to everybody who lives in the UK, adding that the negotiations should be carried out in a cordial and civil manner.

He discussed a meeting in Madrid with EU Mediterranean leaders focusing on two main elements: Brexit negotiations and the future of the EU. This would be a follow up from the last meeting of its kind which took place in Athens. 

Mr Rajoy said that the priority for Spain, within the context of investments made with the UK, the priority is to reduce uncertainty, to which Dr Muscat agreed that reducing uncertainty is of paramount importance.

Prime Minster Muscat revealed that, in response to the open letter sent to the EU leaders by UK Prime Minister on Brexit, a joint statement will be issued in a few hours.