MOSCOW, April 24 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The leaders of Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta have discussed measures to prevent an influx of migrants amid the West Asia conflict, such as those Europe last saw in 2015, the Italian government announced on Friday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
"On the sidelines of the informal meeting of the members of the European Council in Agia Napa, Cyprus, the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Heads of Government of Greece, Italy and Malta met to discuss possible initiatives to be implemented in a coordinated and coherent manner, with a view to preventing a migration crisis similar to that experienced in 2015," the statement read.
More than a million refugees crossed into Europe in 2015 in an attempt to escape conflicts and instability in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and North Africa.
This sparked a rift within the EU over how the migrant burden should be shared.
The leaders of the four southern frontier states stressed the need to continue close cooperation with partners in the region to provide support to affected populations in West Asia.
"In their capacity as Member States situated at the external borders of the European Union (EU) and most immediately exposed to potential uncontrolled migration flows towards the Union, they also examined several possible measures aimed at safeguarding, if necessary and in full respect of international law, the security and effective management of the EU’s external borders," the statement read.
The countries also reaffirmed the importance of a pan-European approach, through which national responses to increased migration become most effective.
The leaders instructed their foreign ministers to continue close coordination and joint work with the European Commission.
The United States (US) and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran on February 28, with the aggression resulting in over 3,000 fatalities.
Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8.
The first round of talks, which subsequently took place in Islamabad, ended without any breakthrough, although no resumption of hostilities has been reported.
However, the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Mediators are currently working to arrange a new round of negotiations.
-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
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