Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, had a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, focussing on illegal immigration – with particular reference to Tunisia – on Libya and Eastern Mediterranean.
With regard to the increasing of irregular migratory flows coming from Tunisia in recent days, Minister Di Maio has reaffirmed that Italian shores represent the Southern border of the EU as well, thus we expect EU commitment both for redistribution and repatriation. Both the Minister and the High Representative expressed the hope for an adequate level of cooperation by Tunisia to prevent irregular departures. In this regard, the High Representative assured his personal engagement so as the EU address the issue with due attention.
As for Libya, Minister Di Maio recalled the priority to relaunch the politic dialogue within the Berlin Process in order to achieve, as soon as possible, an agreement for an effective and sustainable ceasefire, and a rapid resumption of oil production.
Eventually, regarding the Western Mediterranean, Mr Di Maio and Mr Borrell agreed on the opportunity of keeping the dialogue with Ankara open to achieve a de-escalation of tensions within the area.
