European leaders are meeting with their African counterparts in Paris to discuss ways of curbing illegal migration across the Mediterranean to Europe's shores.

As a key transit point, troubled Libya is expected to be a key subject of Monday's discussions convened by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.Germany's chancellor, the prime ministers of Italy, Spain and the EU are taking part in the talks, along with the leader of Libya's internationally-backed government, Fayez Serraj, and the foreign policy chief and presidents of Niger and Chad.

Merkel said ahead of the meeting that she wants more support for Libya's coast guard and a "migration partnership" with Niger to inhibit migrant smuggling.

The leaders will also discuss security cooperation, and the European leaders will then hold separate talks focused on EU matters.