Illegal migration is a significant problem for southern European countries - Levits

RIGA - Illegal migration is a significant problem for southern European countries, including Malta, Latvian President Egils Levits told journalists today after a meeting with the President of Malta George Vella.

The presidents of both countries agree that illegal migration must be stopped and that countries that consider it necessary must open channels of legal migration. Levits emphasized that the external border of Europe should be strengthened.

The presidents agreed that it is necessary to develop a dialogue with the so-called "global South" so that they believe that multilateralism has a central role in maintaining peace in the world.

The President of Latvia also emphasized that the bilateral relations between Latvia and Malta are very good. Latvia and Malta are like-minded countries. Levits drew attention to the fact that Malta is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and in February it presided over the UN Security Council.

Levits stated that during the meeting issues related to the European Union were discussed. The presidents also discussed the issue of Ukraine. The president of Latvia and the president of Malta agree that Ukraine must win the war. They also condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"Latvia, as a member of NATO, also provides Ukraine with military aid, while Malta, which is not a member of the alliance, has also taken in Ukrainian refugees and supports Ukraine in many ways," the Latvian president told journalists.

The presidents also discussed the need to establish an international tribunal, the establishment of which Latvia is currently actively working on.

As reported, Vella has arrived on a two-day official visit to Latvia today.