Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides is travelling to Rome to participate in a meeting with the Ministers responsible for migration issues of Greece, Italy and Malta, which will take place Wednesday, at the invitation of the Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi.
A press release says that the meeting is a follow-up to the decision taken at the level of the leaders of the four Mediterranean EU member states to cooperate in relation to the migration challenges that may arise, due to the security situation in the Middle East.
The main objective of the meeting is to further strengthen coordination between the four states, with a view to maximizing the effectiveness of national and European responses in the event of a significant increase in migration flows.
The discussions will focus on the assessment of developments in the region, the need for timely preparation and joint action, synergies with the European Commission, as well as the prevention of a recurrence of conditions similar to the 2015 migration crisis.
Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on strengthening operational cooperation to tackle migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, as well as on the protection of the EU's external borders, taking into account the principles of responsibility and solidarity, with respect for international and EU law.
As noted in the press release, Cyprus, as a frontline member state that has faced disproportionate migratory pressures in recent years, is attending the meeting with the aim of promoting practical solutions, based on its successful experience in dealing with irregular flows and strengthening cooperation with other Mediterranean member states.
(Source: CNA)
