Tunisia, Italy discuss ways to deal with illegal immigration

Tunisia and Italy stressed the need to intensify efforts to deal with the increase of illegal immigration attempts towards European coasts, Italy in particular, the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported on Friday, said Xinhua.

This issue was discussed during a meeting between the Tunisian Parliamentary Speaker Ibrahim Bouderbala and the Italian Ambassador to Tunisia Alessandro Prunas in the Tunisian capital Tunis.

"The illegal immigration issue requires boosting joint action at the bilateral and multilateral level in order to strengthen peace and security in the Mediterranean," TAP quoted Bouderbala as saying.

He also highlighted the role of parliaments in strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation, notably through the exchange of visits by parliamentarians.

The Italian ambassador highlighted the fruitful cooperation and the conclusion of agreements in several areas including education, culture, higher education and vocational training.

Prunas affirmed his country's commitment to providing support for Tunisia and to defending its position both within the region and at the level of the European Union.

During his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Tunis on April 17, Tunisian President Kais Saied reiterated his country's refusal to be a destination or transit point for illegal immigrants, calling for joint efforts to tackle the issue.