Prime Minister Robert Abela and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri expressed their gratitude to the Armed Forces of Malta during a visit to the Maritime Squadron at Hay Wharf.

The AFM has been under attack by an NGO who filed a criminal complaint against the crew of an AFM patrol boat. The NGO, Repubblika, also filed a complaint against Abela and Camilleri after Malta closed its ports to migrant boats to be able to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

In a short address this morning, Abela said that AFM officers were risking their lives every time they leave Malta’s shores to carry out their duties in high sease.

Abela said that just as much as the AFM is a shield for the public, the soldiers will find the public as their shield each time they are unjustly criticised.

Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi showed the PM and Camilleri around the various sectors of the base, explaining the different functions of the maritime unit.

Camilleri, who joined the PM on board some of the vessels, said the government is committed to provide all resources possible for the AFM to be able to carry out its duties in the best way possible.