CAIRO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministers of Egypt and Malta met in Cairo on Sunday, where they discussed cooperation in combating illegal immigration as well as regional issues of mutual concern, said the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Maltese Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo highlighted the necessity of addressing comprehensively "the root causes of illegal immigration," said Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez in a statement.

They also urged shared responsibility and burden-sharing among Mediterranean countries and EU member states in fighting illegal immigration across the Mediterranean Sea, according to the statement.

Shoukry and Bartolo also exchanged views on the latest developments of the Libyan crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli decades-long conflict.

"Shoukry reiterated the need to maintain cease-fire and halt the flow of weapons, terrorists and foreign fighters into Libya, in parallel with efforts aimed at reaching the desired political solution," said the Egyptian statement.

As for the Palestinian issue, Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt's support for the two-state solution as well as all the efforts to foster stability, bring peace and preserve the legitimate rights of the Palestinians.

The two ministers also agreed on the importance of continuing work to expand horizons of cooperation in various bilateral fields, especially in the trade and investment sectors, according to the statement.

Later in the day, the top Maltese diplomat held talks with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit at the league's headquarters in Cairo, where they also discussed the Libyan conflict, the Palestinian cause and other issues, the Arab League said. Enditem

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