Minister warns central Mediterranean migration route still a challenge

The central Mediterranean route for irregular migrants - from North Africa to Europe – remains a challenge, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela said.

“Although the current focus is on the Aegean migration route, the central Mediterranean route remains a challenge that must not be disregarded,” Abela said during a meeting in Malta with US Coast Guard Vice-Commandant, Vice Admiral Charles D. Michel.

In a statement, Abela said that discussion focused on the fruitful historical collaboration between Malta and the US and their shared interests and values in areas such as Mediterranean security and the safety of life at sea.

The two sides also talked about future cooperation, particularly in the light of the migration phenomenon in the Mediterranean.

Abela said that Malta and the US have started discussing the possibility of US assistance to the AFM’s Maritime Squadron, to help them continue saving the lives of migrants in danger.

He noted that, after a hiatus of a few years, AFM members are once again being sent to the USA for Search & Rescue training offered by the US Coast Guard.

Vice Admiral Michel was accompanied by US Ambassador to Malta Glenna Kathleen Hill, US Coast Guard Attaché in Malta Lieutenant Commander Ruben Boudreaux, Assistant Naval Attaché in Malta, Commander Corey A. Moore and Commander Zeita Merchant, Special Assistant to the Vice-Commandant.

Abela was flanked by AFM Commander, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi and Major James L. Grech, the Ministry’s Chief of Staff, Anthony Vella Gregory and the Ministry’s International Affairs Political Coordinator Designate, Sandro Mangion