ATHENS

Malta and Greece urged the EU on Wednesday to extend more support to Mediterranean countries in dealing with the growing crisis of irregular migration, according to the Greek presidency.

“As to the irregular migration problem, which is mostly a Mediterranean problem, I regret to say we have not received the full support of all EU states,” Maltase President George Vella said during a meeting in Athens with his Greek counterpart, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

“In dealing with the problem, solidarity by all EU states is absolutely necessary and this must be expressed and in practice,” he added.

Vella maintained the current crisis poses a significant threat to Mediterranean countries and “it can spill over to the whole EU if not addressed properly and swiftly.”

Sakellaropoulou agreed with Vella and said irregular migration is a matter that concerns all union countries and as such should be dealt with accordingly.

Later, Vella met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis where numerous topics including improved cooperation in trade and energy sectors apart from the joint struggle against irregular migration and migrant trafficking were discussed, according to the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.​​​​​​​