Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that Paris and Rome agreed on the need for the EU to act “pragmatically and seriously”. Help TunisiaThe country has seen a massive exodus of migrants to Europe in recent months.

Regarding the crisis in Ukraine, Meloni said Italy and France will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said he shared Italy’s view on the urgent need to provide economic aid to Tunisia in light of the country’s debt problems.

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He said this when he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Paris.

Earlier in June, Fitch Ratings downgraded Tunisia’s credit rating from “CCC+” to “CCC-“, citing uncertainty about the country’s ability to raise sufficient funds to meet its financing needs.

Agreement to Reform the Asylum System

And in early June, raised The issue of illegal immigration was discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron He called for organizing a summit that would bring together countries from both sides of the Mediterranean.

Last week, EU member states and the European Parliament reached an agreement on reforming the EU’s asylum system.

Tunisian authorities have continued to call on the EU to show solidarity, particularly in the fight against illegal immigration.

Long term help

On June 11, EU leaders presented a proposalStrengthening partnership with Tunisia Through a program that includes €900 million in long-term financial support, supported by €150 million in additional support, which is “immediately” paid into the budget.

The coalition also provided crisis-hit Tunisia with $1 billion in financial aid to boost its economy and stem the flow of illegal immigrants across the Mediterranean.

The five points proposed by the group include increased investment in Tunisia, particularly in supporting the digital sector, investments in Tunisia’s renewable energy exports and the expansion of the student exchange program (Erasmus).

One of Brussels’ proposals is related to combating the “shameful practice” of clandestine immigration, for which the EU will give Tunisia “100 million euros this year to monitor its borders, search and rescue migrants”. The President of the European Commission, Ursula van der Leyen, during her recent visit to Tunisia with the two Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Italy.

Tunisia, part of the coast about 150 km from the Italian island of Lampedusa, sees constant attempts by migrants from sub-Saharan African countries to reach Italy.

According to the Italian Interior Ministry, more than 45,000 migrants have arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year, almost four times the number recorded during the same period last year.

France 24/Reuters/AFP