Tunisian President Kais Saied (R) meets with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi (L) in Tunis, Tunisia, on May 15, 2023. Saied on Monday discussed with visiting Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi bilateral ties and the illegal immigration problem, according to a statement issued by the Tunisian Presidency. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)
TUNIS, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday 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 that includes all concerned countries must be held as soon as possible.
Earlier on Monday, the Italian guest met with his Tunisian counterpart Kamel Feki at the ministry 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 program 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. ■
Tunisian President Kais Saied (L) shakes hands with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during their meeting in Tunis, Tunisia, on May 15, 2023. Saied on Monday discussed with visiting Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi bilateral ties and the illegal immigration problem, according to a statement issued by the Tunisian Presidency. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)
