Malta`s Foreign Affairs Minister, Evarist Bartolo, said that around 5,000 migrants were stopped from leaving Libya to cross the Mediterranean and reach Europe.
In press statements, Bartolo added that this was implemented as a result of Malta’s strengthening its relationship with Libya during the past months.
Bartolo also announced that by establishing embassies, Malta would continue to expand its presence in different African and Latin American countries. The goal is to develop stronger political and trade relations with the two continents.
Bartolo confirmed that Malta would maintain a strong position in order for all European Union member countries to share the burden of illegal migration with migrants who are entitled to seek asylum.
During the press conference, the Minister also referred to the earthquake that has hit Turkey and Greece and said that the Ministry has made contact with the Maltese who live in the affected regions.