VALLETTA, Malta—European leaders are pressing ahead with efforts to discourage economic migrants and find a way to send thousands back who don’t qualify for asylum.
EU and African leaders on Thursday began a second round of talks in Malta, with the Europeans looking to seal migration agreements with individual African countries.
One deal was signed with Ethiopia on Wednesday. Countries including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Sudan could follow suit in exchange for millions in development aid.
Sudan’s foreign minister, Ibrahim Ghandour, says he sees “prospects for cooperation, particularly on migration.”
We hope that we will be supported, particularly on border management, stability and services,“ he said, noting his country’s ”limited resources.”
Gambia’s trade minister, Abdoulie Jobe, said that his country is hoping for a combination of money and project support to get young people to work so they don’t leave.
“We believe that if there is a lot of investment in agriculture we can then take our youth into that sector to propel economic and social development,” he said.
Malta’s prime minister, who is hosting the summit, said he would hold talks in Algeria next week.
The EU estimates that up to 3 million more people could arrive in Europe seeking sanctuary or jobs by 2017.
