The Tunisian President, Kais Saied, underlined Tunisia's firm rejection to be a host or transit country for irregular migrants, during a meeting held on Wednesday at Carthage Palace, with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

Saied called for adopting a joint approach to the issue of migration and fighting human and organ trafficking networks in the south and north of the Mediterranean, recalling that Tunisia has made colossal efforts to support irregular migrants, according to a statement by the Tunisian Presidency.

"Although Tunisia is committed to human values, as a State governed by the rule of law, it can under no circumstances accept irregular situations on its territory," the Tunisian Head of State pointed out.

He also indicated that irregular migrants are the victims of an international economic regime of which Tunisia itself is the victim, adding that "these migratory flows pouring so heavily into Tunisia clearly indicate the existence of organizations that support them."

In another connection, the President of the Republic reaffirmed Tunisia's satisfaction at the solid and long-standing relations with Italy, and its willingness to further enhance the tradition of consultation and coordination, and to foster and diversify the cooperation and partnership relations binding the two friendly countries at the bilateral and multilateral levels, in service of the two peoples' interests.

He also praised the sustained pace in exchanging visits between the two countries at various levels, recalling the major prospects open to Tunisia and Italy not only in traditional fields but also in promising new sectors.

Meloni was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Italy's Minister of the Interior and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, Saied and Meloni chaired the signing ceremony of the following agreements:

- An agreement between the Tunisian and Italian governments to support the general State budget.

- A financial agreement between the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to support and finance small and medium-sized enterprises.

-A memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research for cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research.