Illegal immigration issues were discussed in a two-day meeting between
Libya and Malta. The talks were described as "positive" and "cordial", according to Radio 101 news.
The two-day meeting was held on a joint initiative
between the Maltese and Libyan governments to make necessary preparations for another
meeting which will seek agreement on responsibilities in the search and rescue
zone. An agreement on this issue was called for by a commission of Maltese and
Libyan experts last February
The commission recommended that the two
parties also seek agreement on the exchange of training and information in the
two countries, as well as how requests for help should be dealt with.
An agreement between the two countries could
benefit the maritime community as well ass all those making use of Maltese and
Libyan waters.
Since the beginning of the year the Armed
Forces of Malta saved 1,000 illegal immigrants travelling in waters surrounding
the Maltese Islands and helped several others who
made it to shore.
In separate news, a group of 28 illegal immigrants were brought to Malta on an Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) patrol boat on
Tuesday evening after being rescued at sea to the east of the island by a motor
vessel called Norfolk Express, reported The Times of Malta.
The AFM was informed of the illegal immigrants’ drifting
boat by the US Naval Command in Naples,
soon after it was spotted by a US Navy aeroplane. At around 1100CEST the Norfolk Express nearby was asked rescue the illegal
immigrants and take them on board before an AFM patrol boat was dispatched to
the area to bring the group to Malta.
The group included seven women and a nine-month-old boy.
Read more about this issue in MaltaMedia’s Special Feature Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra.
