The Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Massimo Dell’Utri, today opened the high-level regional meeting on the enlarged Mediterranean between Italy and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) at the Foreign Ministry, alongside Chief of Staff Mohammed Abdiker and representatives from the Ministries of the Interior and of Labour and Social Policies.
The meeting focused in particular on the Central Mediterranean migration route, Assisted Voluntary Return, regular labour mobility channels and Italy-IOM cooperation in the Sahel.
Undersecretary Dell’Utri outlined the three pillars underpinning Italy’s approach to migration: “tackling the root causes of migration, also through the Mattei Plan to promote the “right not to migrate”; combating irregular migration, human trafficking and criminal networks; and promoting safe and regular migration channels”. He concluded: “Migration responses need to be based on teamwork with countries of origin and transit, multilateral institutions and other key players. This has made it possible to drastically reduce irregular arrivals in Italy and Europe – down by over 80 per cent over the last three years – thus establishing a model of success recognised internationally.”
Over the last five years, the Foreign Ministry has allocated over 280 million euros from migration cooperation funds to support collaboration with the main countries of origin and transit, through UN agencies, including the IOM.
Finally, a session was held with the participation of the Special Envoys for Migration from key European partners, focusing on the external dimension of migration. This provided an opportunity to share analyses and experiences with the aim of promoting synergies and joint responses.