Malta has shipped humanitarian aid destined for immigration centres in Libya to meet the needs of affected migrants and refugees who had taken refuge in shelters.

The shipment was received on Monday by the undersecretary of the Interior Minister Mohamed Shibani and in the presence of the Maltese Ambassador to Libya. The two officials had the opportunity to discuss the recent developments in the country.

Immigrants will receive packages of meals consisting of three long-lasting food items; large quantities of drinking water bottles; mattresses, pillows; bed sheets; and blankets.

The undersecretary of the Interior Minister expressed gratitude to the Maltese government for its effort in supporting Libya.

Meanwhile, Malta's ambassador Charles Saliba affirmed the importance of collective efforts to control the southern borders of Libya in order to reduce the flow of migrants.

Malta has long argued that it is unable to accommodate migrants arriving on the small Mediterranean island, many of whom depart from Libya.

Last April, the Maltese government called on the EU to launch a humanitarian mission for Libya, recommending at least 100 million euros to help boost the capacities of the Libyan Coast Guard in enhancing the control of its borders.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding last May to combat irregular immigration across the Mediterranean and agreed to establish coordination centers in Tripoli and the Maltese capital Valletta.