[WATCH] Muscat, Letta pay tribute to armed forces

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat paid tribute to Malta's armed forces for their role in search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean sea, in a visit to the AFM maritime squad's Haywharf base with Italian counterpart Enrico Letta.

"Our men did more than their utmost to save lives during the Lampedusa tragedy. They made our country proud," Muscat said.

Addressing the crews involved in the rescue of migrants during the tragedy at sea off Lampedusa in October, Muscat said he was proud of the fantastic team of people who form the AFM's Maritime Squadron. "The two countries have worked together, to save lives. The way Malta and Italy has started working together augurs very well for the future. The rescue centres in Rome and Malta will do their utmost to stem migration while aiding in rescue operations to save lives."

Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta also had words of praise for the sailors who took part in the rescue mission. "The cooperation between our two neighbouring countries, and the work our soldiers have done in the past week, is important for the pride and honour of our countries over the strong issue of illegal migration. Our collaboration has sent a very important message to all European Union member states, that lives are being lost and it is time for action to be taken."

Prime Minister Letta concluded by saying he was honoured to meet the men who worked ceaselessly to rescue the migrants in one of the biggest tragedies the Mediterranean has witnessed.