ATHENS, Jumada II 28, 1436, Apr 17, 2015, SPA -- Greece appealed to its European Union partners Friday for more help in policing its sea borders as immigrants increasingly make dangerous journeys to escape war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. Deputy Minister for Merchant Marine Thodoros Dritsas told The Associated Press it is "a matter of urgency" for EU countries to show greater solidarity with the financially struggling country. He advocated more ships, aircraft and personnel, increased funding and stronger operational cooperation with EU border agency Frontex, which has been assisting Greece for the past five years. --SPA 21:27 LOCAL TIME 18:27 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w