Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi have visited Tunis to discuss cooperation in combating human trafficking, according to the Italian news agency Nova.
During his meeting with Tunisian officials on Wednesday, Tajani said his country has a shared vision with Tunisia to combat illegal migration, noting that the issue continued to be at the forefront of talks between the two countries in light of a record influx of Tunisian migrants to Italian territories in 2022.
More than 18,000 Tunisians arrived in Italy through the sea, according to data from the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES).
Tajani met with President Kais Saied at the presidential palace in Carthage and said the two countries have a shared vision to combat illegal migration.
In a tweet on his official account, Tajani explained that his country is keen on Tunisia's stability and development through support for its economic growth.
"We have a common commitment and vision against undocumented migration. We will launch a business forum to strengthen interchange," announced the minister.
Before the visit, the Italian Foreign Ministry demanded, in a memorandum, a "stronger commitment" from the Tunisian government to combat illegal migration and accelerate repatriations.
Italy is Tunisia's second largest partner in terms of foreign investment, with about 900 enterprises and an operational capacity of more than 70,000 workers, according to the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency.
Since the beginning of the year, 161 Tunisians have arrived in Italy irregularly, according to data from the Viminale.
Frontex data reported that of the 330 irregular crossings of the European borders, 47 percent were Tunisians, Syrians, and Afghans.
Tajani asked his Tunisian counterpart, Othman Jerandi, for a firm commitment from the Tunisian government to counter migrant departures and encourage more repatriations.
The agreements between Italy and Tunisia provide 80 repatriations a week and two fixed flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The minister reiterated Italy's support in border control, in the fight against the trafficking of human beings, and for the creation of opportunities for the legal migration of Tunisian workers to Italy.
Meanwhile, the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights reported in October 2022 that the number of missing persons in the Mediterranean due to illegal migration reached 544, including 69 missing persons in September only.
The Forum said the Tunisian presidency was responsible for the absence of any integrated Tunisian vision to deal with the phenomenon, which contributes to saving lives and restoring hope to Tunisians.
It renewed its call to end the forced returns of undocumented migrants from Italy, France, and Germany, open new horizons for organized migration, and settle the conditions of illegal Tunisian migrants in Europe.
