02:14Tunisia: Germany and Tunisia reach immigration deal during Merkel state visit
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Tunis on Friday that Tunisia and Germany had reached a deal on 1,500 Tunisian citizens who have had their asylum rejected.
Her comments came in a press conference in the Tunisian capital after meeting with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. "I am happy about it, and I see exactly as you do Mr. President, that we could meet agreements from now on which bring along detailed negotiations and a positive conclusion for both sides," stated Merkel.
On his end, Essebsi said that it is his government's responsibility "to accept our citizens," vowing to provide the rejected migrants with "suitable living conditions" upon their return to Tunisia.
In addition to the migration deal, Merkel and the Tunisian President discussed plans to increase coastal and border security to limit illegal migration. Germany also agreed to provide Tunisia with €250 million ($264 million) of development aid this year.
Merkel's visit to Tunisia comes as part of a two-day official visit to North Africa. On Thursday, the German Chancellor visited Cairo and met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, where the two leaders also discussed ways to limit migration flows from North Africa to Europe.
02:14German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Tunis on Friday that Tunisia and Germany had reached a deal on 1,500 Tunisian citizens who have had their asylum rejected.
Her comments came in a press conference in the Tunisian capital after meeting with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. "I am happy about it, and I see exactly as you do Mr. President, that we could meet agreements from now on which bring along detailed negotiations and a positive conclusion for both sides," stated Merkel.
On his end, Essebsi said that it is his government's responsibility "to accept our citizens," vowing to provide the rejected migrants with "suitable living conditions" upon their return to Tunisia.
In addition to the migration deal, Merkel and the Tunisian President discussed plans to increase coastal and border security to limit illegal migration. Germany also agreed to provide Tunisia with €250 million ($264 million) of development aid this year.
Merkel's visit to Tunisia comes as part of a two-day official visit to North Africa. On Thursday, the German Chancellor visited Cairo and met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, where the two leaders also discussed ways to limit migration flows from North Africa to Europe.