TUNIS, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia will continue its efforts to combat migrant smuggling networks and rejects any attempt to turn its territory into a transit or settlement country for migrants, or a landing platform for irregular migrants and asylum-seekers, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti said Thursday.
According to the private radio station Mosaique FM, Nafti stressed Tunisia's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting its borders and cracking down on migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks.
Tunisia's approach to migration goes beyond security considerations to include humanitarian and development dimensions, while respecting migrants' dignity and rights and strengthening cooperation with partner countries, the minister said.
He said the ministry is working to build a comprehensive and balanced approach that supports regular and organized migration channels, combats irregular migration and addresses its root causes, particularly poverty, unemployment and socio-economic disparities.
Nafti also called for stronger cooperation and solidarity among countries of origin, transit and destination, based on the principle of shared responsibility to achieve sustainable migration management.
Tunisia is continuing to strengthen coordination with the International Organization for Migration, particularly in voluntary return assistance and reintegration, so that migrants wishing to return to their home countries can do so safely and with dignity, he added. ■