Italian President Sergio Mattarella called on European countries to support efforts that aim at achieving peace and stability in the Middle East and Africa.

He called for cooperation in preventing illegal migration flows, urging nations to deal with the tragedy in a positive way.

At least 1,750 people have died this year trying to cross the Mediterranean, a 20-fold increase on the same period in 2014 when 96 people died.

The final number of people rescued over the weekend is expected to rise. The busiest two days for rescues so far this year were April 12 and 13, when 6,500 people were picked up.