The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, called for strengthening regular migration channels and facilitating mobility between Tunisia and the European Union, considering these measures as a factor supporting shared development.
This call was made during a meeting held on September 23, 2026, in New York with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the margins of Tunisia’s participation in the work of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a publication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, the meeting addressed the state and prospects of the partnership between Tunisia and the European Union in the area of migration.
And he added that Mohamed Ali Nafti reaffirmed, on this occasion, Tunisia’s commitment to its principled position in addressing the migratory issue, based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and equality among partners.
The minister also reaffirmed that Tunisia continued a calm, balanced and comprehensive approach to this matter, based on respect for human rights and the addressing of the root causes of migration, notably through support for inclusive and equitable economic and social development.
In this context, the minister highlighted Tunisia’s efforts to combat networks of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, reaffirming Tunisia’s refusal to become a country of settlement or transit for migrants.
He also called on the European side to strengthen its support for voluntary return programs for migrants originating from sub-Saharan Africa, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in order to ensure the respect of their dignity and the protection of their rights.
For his part, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration welcomed the level of cooperation existing with Tunisia and expressed his understanding of the Tunisian approach to addressing the root causes of the migratory phenomenon.
Magnus Brunner stated that the European Union wished to strengthen its cooperation with Tunisia, notably in the field of regular migration, while continuing its material and logistical support to the International Organization for Migration.
