[WATCH] Prime Minister holds talks with European Commission Vice-President

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat meets EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. Video: Ivan Consiglio

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, together with minister for foreign affairs George Vella, this afternoon met the Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini.

Mogherini's visit was perfectly timed, the Prime Minister said, as preparations for the presidency are now in full swing. He added that he was looking forward to hearing her views on what can be achieved over the presidency's six month duration.

Muscat acknowledged that the presidency has come at an uncertain time for the EU, but that Malta was well prepared to meet any challenges it brings.

He praised Mogherini's, and the EU's recent efforts on foreign policy, pointing to last year's deal with Iran as an example of how the EU is achieving results.

Joseph Muscat said there are currently many regional concerns for the EU PHOTO: Ivan Consiglio

Muscat said there are currently many regional concerns for the EU and said that a resolution to the situation in Libya is a priority for Malta. 

"Despite the fact that we might hear less about it in the media, the situation in Libya has continued to deteriorate and it is essential for the Libyan people and authorities to know that we are here to support them," Muscat said.

Mogherini said that the presidency will be a good time to focus on the Mediterranean and that she believes that Malta can play a role determining the best way forward on Libya. 

She added that the fact that the presidency will come roughly one year after the Valletta summit shows that Malta can play an active role in bringing the EU and North Africa together to discuss better co-operation and the way forward on issues that are of common concern.