Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela has returned from an extroardinary meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the 5+5 countries held in Tunisia, the Department of Information said.

The discussions covered the crisis in Libya, the immigration issue and the threat of terrorism particularly as a result of radicalisation which is spreading in North African countries as well as in some European countries. Ministers discussed strategies to combat these preoccupying situations which threaten the stability of the Mediterranean Region. It was also acknowledged that terrorism existed before the Libyan crisis and therefore actions need to be focused accordingly. The formation of a national unity government in Libya was seen as the only possible solution to the restoration of peace within the whole region. While pledging continued support for the successful conclusion of the current negotiations, participating countries agreed that this is an internal matter for the Libyans to sort.

In his intervention, Minister Abela augured for a speedy solution of the Libyan crisis that would bring peace and security in this part of the Mediterranean. This would lead to the restoration of the strong business relationship that existed between the two countries. He reiterated Malta's position that the immigration issue is to be treated holistically based on shared responsibility. He stated that the strengthening of economies of the countries in region and those of origin would create prosperity and improve educational levels that would minimize the need of immigration.

At the end of the conference, countries expressed their resolution to maintain the Initiative's philosophy that is the importance of support and collaboration between states. They declared that they will work together to eradicate the threat of terrorism through information sharing and the use of existing centers to construct narrative that counters cyber terrorism.

5+5 countries include Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia