Malta's Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Glenn Bedingfield, met Italy's Home Affairs Minister, Matteo Piantedosi reaffirming the strong and longstanding relationship between the neighbouring Mediterranean countries.
In a bilateral meeting Tuesday, the two ministers discussed several overlapping themes, such as migration, security, law enforcement cooperation, and civil protection. Both ministers underscored the importance of close coordination in addressing shared challenges in the central Mediterranean.
On migration, the two ministers discussed the positive results achieved through joint efforts, such as the sustained reduction in irregular arrivals along the Central Mediterranean route.
These discussions centred on the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, as well as improving return systems, enhanced cooperation with key countries of origin and transit, and the development of practical and innovative solutions to tackle irregular migration more effectively.
Minister Bedingfield spoke about Malta's support for a stronger external dimension of EU migration policy, continued engagement with Libya, and the importance of implementing effective measures to reduce irregular migration and in combatting smuggling networks. On the latter point, Bedingfield referenced the establishment of return hubs.
The Ministry for Home Affairs and Security said that in this meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in promoting a secure, orderly, and sustainable approach to migration while bolstering stability and security across the region.
The two ministers also reviewed the "excellent cooperation" between Maltese and Italian law enforcement authorities. The Ministry noted that this collaboration "continues to deliver concrete results in tackling organised crime, financial crime, drug trafficking, and other cross-border threats."
Minister Bedingfield also took to the opportunity to thank Minister Piantedosi for Italy's ongoing support, which includes providing specialised training, operational cooperation, and knowledge exchange.
Talks on maintaining this bilateral cooperation extended to civil protection and emergency preparedness. Both ministers reaffirmed each country's commitment to improving cooperation in firefighting efforts, disaster responses, and in emergency management.
At the end of the meeting, both ministers stressed that shared challenges in the Mediterranean Sea require shared solutions. Bedingfield and Piantedosi agreed to continue working closely together for the sake of bolstering security, promoting stability, and advancing "a more effective and sustainable European approach to migration," the Ministry said.