A report published by Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed that Italy and Turkey have signed an agreement to intensify efforts in combating illegal immigration in the Mediterranean region.
The report explained that the agreement was signed between the foreign ministers of the two countries, Antonio Tajani and Hakan Fidan, and focuses on preventing the departure of illegal immigrants from Libya. It was described by Tajani as an “operational document” aimed at enhancing coordination between the two countries’ coast guards and combating migrant smuggling networks and organized crime.
During a joint press conference in Rome with his Turkish counterpart, Tajani said, “This will be very useful in Libya, especially in preventing the departure of migrants trying to reach Europe,” stressing that the two countries will also work together to train law enforcement agencies to dismantle smuggling networks in the Mediterranean.
For his part, Fidan expressed Ankara’s determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with Italy, stressing the importance of supporting the political process in Libya to ensure its stability.