Napolitano toasts ‘excellent’ Malta-Italy relations, calls for ‘maturity’ in migration issues

Hosting Maltese President George Abela at the Quirinale Palace last night for a State Dinner, Italy's President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano hailed Malta as an "esteemed neighbour and European partner."

"We have and will continue to work together on multilateral fronts within Europe and the Mediterranean. We share heavy burdens and responsibilities, which however require a coordinated efforts from other governments and international organisations, but we both must continue to trust each other in a mature way," Napolitano said.

Napolitano - who dwelt on the rich cultural and historical heritage that exist between Malta and Italy - honoured Maltese sculptor Melchiorre Gafà who's works will be exhibited as from today at the prestigious Accademia di San Luca.

Meanwhile, immigration issues were also discussed between Prresident George Abela and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti during a working lunch at Villa Pamphili.

Monti reportedly called on Malta to reduce its Search and Rescue region, an issue which Malta refuses to surrender.

The Italian Prime Minister also brought up the discussion about oil exploration and Italy's quest for granting concessions in areas it contests to belong to Italy and not Malta. The continental shelf issue remains unresolved with Italy.

Also, Monti has invited Malta to take back UHF television frequencies which it has held from Malta since the 1980's, when former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi had launched Canale 5.

Italian television stations don't use UHF transmissions since it has rolled-out digital terrestrial transmissions.

President George Abela's State Visit to Italy continues today with a visit to Umbria region, where he is to meet with a number of mayors and also visit a specialised hospital for children with eating disorders.