Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi held talks with the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Olivér Várhelyi.
The two officials discussed ways to enhance the capabilities of Tunisia to combat human trafficking.
Piantedosi emphasized commitment to continuing productive cooperation with the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, the Italian news agency Nova reported on Friday.
Additionally, with the support of the European Union’s funding, they are working on a joint project in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and the National Association of Building Contractors to promote on-site training and legal entry for migrants.
Piantedosi stated, “At this stage of the multi-year financial framework review for EU sectors under the Ministry of Interior’s jurisdiction, we call for a reallocation of resources to implement border measures in line with the European Charter.”
This important meeting underscores Italy’s commitment to addressing the challenges of immigration and human trafficking in cooperation with European partners.
The collaboration aims to strengthen Tunisia’s ability to combat illegal activities and promote legal pathways for migrants, all while ensuring efficient resource allocation within the European Union (EU) framework.
Tunisia and the EU inked a “strategic partnership” deal that includes combatting human traffickers and tightening borders during a sharp increase in boats leaving the North African nation for Europe.
In his previous remarks, President Kais Saied affirmed that Tunisia will not be a guardian of Europe’s borders in preventing the flow of illegal immigrants.
Saied noted that his country will only guard its own borders, according to a statement released by the presidency.
“There are criminal networks that traffic in human beings in the countries of origin or in countries of destination in Europe,” he said. “Security solutions alone are not enough to eliminate the scourge.”
