EU must redouble efforts in Middle East, Africa – Brincat

Migration is a priority for Malta, Environment Minister Leo Brincat told an informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Luxembourg.

Brincat went in Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella’s stead who is recovering from an operation.

The GYMNICH meeting in Luxembourg discussed the Middle East Peace Process, relations with the Eastern Partners and Russia, and Iran.

During the meeting, Brincat spoke about irregular migration and how the situation in the Mediterranean remains a cause for major concern despite all efforts to avoid further tragedies and prevent the loss of lives at sea.

 He stated that the continuing death of migrants is an intolerable tragedy that must be stopped, especially in view of the fact that this problem is also now spilling over to other EU countries around the Balkan and Eastern region.

“In view of this, the EU needs to redouble its efforts and address the festering areas of conflict especially in the Middle East (Syria) and Africa and disrupt the efforts of people smugglers,” Brincat said.

The upcoming Valletta Summit will aim at addressing the daunting challenges of migration.

Brincat said the EU must step up its role as a key player in the Middle East Peace Process, while highlighting the need for donors to increase their support for UNRWA.

During his speech, Brincat  touched upon relations with the Eastern Partners and expressed Malta's hope that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine can be applied as from next January. He also urged all sides to the conflict in Ukraine to abide by the agreed terms of the Minsk Agreement immediately.

On Iran, the Minister described recent developments as an opportunity that should open the way for stronger engagement with this country from both the EU and individual member states.