The government of Malta has signed an agreement with Libya to combat irregular immigration across the Mediterranean.

The Maltese-funded plans involve the setting up of coordination centers in the Libyan capital Tripoli and the Maltese capital Valletta.

A memorandum of understanding signed by Malta and Libya’s UN-recognized unity government in Tripoli on May 28 says that these centers will “offer the necessary support relating to combatting illegal immigration in Libya and the Mediterranean region.” 

The memorandum then presented before the Maltese parliament on Wednesday and is intended to remain valid for three years.

Both parties signed the agreement last week when a Maltese delegation including Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo and Prime Minister Robert Abela travelled to Tripoli.

The coordination centers will each be staffed by three officials, financed by Malta’s government.