TUNIS, May 16 (NNN-TAP) – Tunisian President, Kais Saied, yesterday, discussed with visiting Italian Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, bilateral ties and the illegal immigration problem, according to a statement issued by the Tunisian Presidency.
The Tunisian president pointed out that, the number of victims of illegal immigration attempts is multiplying on a daily basis, noting that, “There are criminal networks that take advantage of the inhumane conditions of those stranded, as a result of poverty and despair.”
Saied reiterated that, security solutions alone are not enough to eliminate this scourge, calling for a new collective approach, based mainly on alleviating poverty and unemployment in the countries of origin.
Saied suggested that an international meeting which includes all concerned countries must be held as soon as possible.
Earlier yesterday, the Italian guest met with his Tunisian counterpart, Kamel Feki, at the ministry’s headquarters, in the Tunisian capital, Tunis.
According to a ministry statement, Piantedosi praised the Tunisian authorities’ efforts in curbing illegal immigration.
He affirmed Italy’s commitment to sharing responsibilities and an integrated programme, in the field of training, in order to activate legal migration channels.
Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration to Europe.
Although Tunisian authorities have adopted rigorous measures to tackle the problem, the number of illegal immigrants from Tunisia to Italy has been on the rise.
