Global Courant 2023-05-23 14:20:54
ANKARA
France and Italy are not in a diplomatic crisis, but have sought cooperation from Rome in resolving the problem of irregular migration, which has strained relations between the two countries recently, France’s foreign minister said on Tuesday.
“We certainly are not,” Catherine Colonna said when asked about a crisis on France 2 channel.
“Italy is facing strong immigration pressure, especially from the Mediterranean. We look forward to better cooperation with Italy because we have to combat these influxes,” Colonna said. He said, adding that Europe is currently developing an immigration policy.
Earlier this month, French Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin branded the Italian government “incompetent” in resolving the issue, prompting Italy’s foreign minister to cancel a visit to his French counterpart.
Darmanin accused Italy of failing to manage immigration pressures, saying there is a flow of migrants, particularly unaccompanied minors, to southern France.
But Colonna brushed aside such a tirade, saying, “I will visit Rome on Thursday at the invitation of my Italian counterpart (Antonio Tajani),” when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was scheduled to visit France in June. the date has not yet been determined.
Italy has seen an increase in arrivals by sea of irregular migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean by boat from Tunisia and Libya.
In recent months, the two sides have frequently complained about the mismanagement of the problem or the lack of cooperation in reaching a solution for irregular migrants.
Many of these migrants try to move to northern Europe, including France, after being rescued by authorities or aid boats and brought to Italian soil.
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