To combat illegal immigration.. A European-Tunisian memorandum of understanding
The European Union signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia within the framework of what European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Tunisian presidency said is a partnership between the two sides, which includes the issue of illegal waste.
Yesterday, Sunday, von der Leyen published pictures of the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding via Twitter, saying, “We were here together a month ago to launch a new partnership with Tunisia; today we are progressing.”
While the Tunisian presidency said in a statement via Facebook that the signed memorandum of understanding is “on the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Tunisia and the European Union.”
Saeed criticizes international organizations
For his part, Tunisian President Kais Saied said after signing the memorandum of understanding, “One of the challenges, not the least of which is the need to find new ways of cooperation outside the framework of the global monetary system that was established after World War II; the system that is based on dividing the world into two halves, one half for the rich and the other for the poor, what It had to be, and it can no longer continue with the same inclusion and content.
He added, “This memorandum must be accompanied, as soon as possible, by a set of binding agreements based on the principles contained in it. What is our urgent need today for a collective agreement on inhumane migration, which is behind criminal networks.”
In addition, Saeed criticized international organizations, saying that they “only acted through statements,” referring to what he described as “fallacy and distortion with the aim of offending Tunisia and its people.”
A departure point for immigrants
In turn, the President of the European Commission said, “We need to strike criminal networks, deepen partnership, and increase our cooperation in the scope of search and rescue, border management, countering citizen smuggling, and law enforcement.”
The three European leaders visited Tunisia a month ago and agreed to work together on a “comprehensive partnership” package that includes Addressing illegal immigration sustainable energy and strengthening economic and trade relations.
The European Union hopes to stop the influx of illegal immigrants into its territory from the Tunisian coast.
Tunisia, whose coasts are about 150 kilometers from Italy, has become a launching point for illegal immigrants towards Europe, fleeing poverty and conflicts and in search of a better life.