TUNIS, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia and the European Union (EU) on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic and comprehensive partnership, according to the Tunisian presidency.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Tunisian President Kais Saied, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The presidency statement didn't provide further details about the MoU.
According to the European television news network Euronews, the MoU was inked for a "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the EU and Tunisia, with a focus on renewable energies, economic development, and irregular migration.
"Today, we urgently need a collective agreement on the issue of inhumane immigration," Saied said during a joint press conference held in the capital Tunis with the visiting European leaders.
He added the Tunisian people have provided these illegal immigrants with all the necessary help and support, and stressed that the country is "determined to meet the challenges of the current situation."
Von der Leyen assured that the EU "is working for prosperity and a better future for the whole region, especially Tunisia and its people."
The Italian prime minister said, "It is a major step to build a solid partnership to face the scourge of illegal immigration that harms both shores of the Mediterranean."
Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration to Europe.
Although Tunisian authorities have adopted rigorous measures to tackle the problem, the number of illegal immigrants from Tunisia to Italy has been on the rise.
