Italian President Sergio Mattarella - who is in Malta for a short visit – and Maltese President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca both emphasised on the importance of November’s EU-Africa summit which is to discuss the issue of migration.

Both Mr Mattarella and Ms Coleiro Preca were addressing a joint news conference at the President's Palace in Attard this afternoon.

Ms Coleiro Preca said that migrants originate from African countries, with some using the region as a point of transit to Europe, so it is vital common ground is found for a secure and peaceful Mediterranean.

She said that the migration issue topped the agenda of their discussions today, highlighting the fact that Malta and Italy are tackling the same problems – the Libya crisis and the migrant situation.

The two also spoke on the ever-growing rapport between Malta and Italy.

Meanwhile, Mr Mattarella insisted on political dialogue when 12 Presidents from different countries meet in September to discuss the “common migration problem”.

He said that Malta and Italy have been working together to seek more stability in the Mediterranean.

Mattarella to meet Muscat later today

At 4 p.m. he is to meet Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at Auberge de Castille in Valletta followed by a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, as is customary.

The President is to visit the new Parliament soon after where he will meet Deputy Speaker Censu galea. A visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral will follow. At 6.20 p.m., Mattarella will leave Valletta.