Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti held a meeting with European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting focused on the partnership between Tunisia and the European Union in the field of migration. According to the Tunisian Foreign Ministry, the two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between their countries.
During the meeting, Minister Nafti reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to its principled position on migration, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs. He highlighted Tunisia's balanced and comprehensive approach to addressing migration flows, which prioritizes respect for human rights and tackling the root causes of migration through economic and social development.
Minister Nafti also discussed Tunisia's efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks. He stressed that Tunisia refuses to be a country of settlement or transit for migrants and called on the European Union to provide greater support for voluntary return programs for sub-Saharan migrants in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration.
Commissioner Brunner expressed the European Union's willingness to strengthen cooperation with Tunisia, including in the area of regular migration. He also pledged continued support for the International Organization for Migration, both financially and logistically. The two officials reviewed the existing partnership between Tunisia and the European Union in the field of migration.
The meeting between Minister Nafti and Commissioner Brunner took place on September 24, 2026, in New York. The Tunisian Foreign Ministry reported that the discussion was constructive and focused on finding mutually beneficial solutions to migration challenges. Tunisia has been a key partner for the European Union in addressing migration issues in the region.
Minister Nafti's participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly provided an opportunity for him to engage with other world leaders on key issues affecting Tunisia and the region. The meeting with Commissioner Brunner was part of his bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the assembly.
The discussion on migration between Tunisia and the European Union reflects the ongoing efforts to address this complex issue through cooperation and dialogue. Both parties emphasized their commitment to finding effective solutions that balance the needs of migrants, countries of origin, and destination countries.
Key points
- Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti meets with European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner to discuss migration partnership between Tunisia and the European Union.
- Minister Nafti reaffirms Tunisia's commitment to a balanced and comprehensive approach to migration, prioritizing respect for human rights and tackling root causes.
- The European Union pledges to strengthen cooperation with Tunisia on migration issues, including support for voluntary return programs and the International Organization for Migration.
