Nabil Ammar received a delegation from the group of African ambassadors

Nabil Ammar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians abroad, received yesterday, Thursday, July 13, 2023, a delegation from the group of African ambassadors accredited to our country, following the recent developments witnessed by Tunisia regarding the issue of irregular migration from sub-Saharan African countries.

On this occasion, the Ambassadors ‘ delegation extended their condolences to the Tunisian people and the family of the citizen who died during the recent events in the city of Sfax.

The Ambassadors expressed their full understanding of the Tunisian position regarding the issue of migration and their appreciation for the efforts exerted by our country in this context, stressing their countries ‘ readiness to cooperate with Tunisia to develop joint and sustainable solutions to address the phenomenon of irregular migration in its various dimensions in the context of respect for human dignity and international conventions, stressing in this regard the need for foreigners to respect the laws of the country of residence.

They also expressed their countries ‘ determination to strengthen cooperation in the field of combating the phenomenon of irregular migration within the framework of a comprehensive approach that allows combating organized criminal networks and human trafficking, by strengthening security cooperation.

The Ambassadors expressed their rejection of the criticism directed at our country on the way it deals with this issue, stressing that Tunisia remains a hospitable and tolerant country.

From his side, the Minister pointed out that Tunisia’s relations with sub-Saharan African countries remain deeper and more comprehensive than the issue of irregular migration, stressing the importance of continuing to consolidate bilateral relations in all fields, as well as the need to avoid confusion and fallacies and adopt a responsible speech and a targeted communication plan on the issue of migration.

Nabil Ammar explained that the issue of irregular migration exceeds the capabilities of one country and requires the concerted efforts of all concerned countries within the framework of close cooperation that falls within a common vision, recalling in this regard the initiative of Mr. President of the Republic calling for the convening of an international conference on this phenomenon and Tunisia’s principled positions in its approach to the issue of migration.

In conclusion, the Minister sent a message of reassurance to the citizens of sub-Saharan Africa coming to our country by legal means, reiterating Tunisia’s readiness, in coordination with their embassies, to facilitate the procedures for the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin.

It was also agreed after the meeting to continue coordination and consultation between the group of African Ambassadors and the relevant general Directions within the Ministry to ensure follow-up of cooperation files and proposals related to migration and ways to implement them.