CHARLOTTETOWN - The P.E.I. government has joined other provinces in announcing that it is prepared to welcome more refugees from abroad.

Liberal Premier Wade MacLauchlan says Islanders are particularly concerned about the conflict in Syria.

He says residents want to help people displaced by the conflict.

MacLauchlan says the Island has an informal agreement to accept 40 government-assisted refugees this year -- but the province needs Ottawa's help if that number is to increase.

The province's immigration minister says a conference call has been arranged for today with the other provincial and territorial ministers in charge of immigration.