EU leaders press on with effort to slow migrant arrivals, accelerate returns to Africa

VALLETTA, Malta – European leaders are pressing on with efforts to slow the flow of migrants and pave the way for thousands to be sent back to Africa.

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."

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.