Italy and Turkiye Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Illegal Migration
The two nations agree to enhance cooperation against human trafficking and transnational organized crime.
Italy and Turkiye have announced a new agreement aimed at curbing the flow of irregular migration, particularly from Libya.
The deal was formalized through an 'operational document' signed by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Rome.
According to Tajani, this collaboration will be instrumental in preventing the departure of migrants from Libya towards Europe.
Libya serves as a pivotal transit point for numerous migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea each year.
The partnership includes plans for both countries to provide training to their respective law enforcement agencies with the goal of dismantling criminal networks operating within the Mediterranean region.
Tajani emphasized that such efforts are crucial in ensuring stability across the area.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these sentiments, stating his commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership between Italy and Turkiye.
He also highlighted the necessity for pursuing a political solution in Libya to guarantee its long-term stability.
Both nations recognize the significance of Libya's stability for regional security.
This announcement comes on the heels of an August meeting in Istanbul hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeiba, focusing on migration and Libya's stability.
Italy is already engaged within a 2016 EU-Turkey agreement regarding irregular migration.
Under this earlier deal, the European Union has provided Turkey with substantial financial aid in exchange for its efforts in preventing migrants from reaching European shores.
The Italian Foreign Ministry released an 'operational proposals' statement outlining potential joint actions including combating human trafficking and managing migration in accordance with international standards.
Additionally, both countries are considering providing training to law enforcement agencies of requesting parties on issues related to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The deal was formalized through an 'operational document' signed by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Rome.
According to Tajani, this collaboration will be instrumental in preventing the departure of migrants from Libya towards Europe.
Libya serves as a pivotal transit point for numerous migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea each year.
The partnership includes plans for both countries to provide training to their respective law enforcement agencies with the goal of dismantling criminal networks operating within the Mediterranean region.
Tajani emphasized that such efforts are crucial in ensuring stability across the area.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these sentiments, stating his commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership between Italy and Turkiye.
He also highlighted the necessity for pursuing a political solution in Libya to guarantee its long-term stability.
Both nations recognize the significance of Libya's stability for regional security.
This announcement comes on the heels of an August meeting in Istanbul hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended by Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeiba, focusing on migration and Libya's stability.
Italy is already engaged within a 2016 EU-Turkey agreement regarding irregular migration.
Under this earlier deal, the European Union has provided Turkey with substantial financial aid in exchange for its efforts in preventing migrants from reaching European shores.
The Italian Foreign Ministry released an 'operational proposals' statement outlining potential joint actions including combating human trafficking and managing migration in accordance with international standards.
Additionally, both countries are considering providing training to law enforcement agencies of requesting parties on issues related to migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
