The European Union (EU) ministers of justice and home affairs agreed here Tuesday to reinforce the EU's southern external maritime borders to combat illegal migration and prevent tragedies involving migrants at sea.
The ministers called on EU member states to provide support, in the spirit of solidarity and shared responsibilities, to member states that are facing pressure from illegal migration.
They urged the European Commission and EU member states to put into effect agreements with third countries on promoting cooperation in border control, search and rescue work, and repatriation.
The ministers emphasized the need for closer cooperation with countries that illegal migrants originate from or transit through, describing such cooperation as "indispensable" for saving lives and combating illegal immigration by sea.
Such cooperation is aimed at enhancing these countries' capacities in border control, search and rescue work and combating organized crime such as human trafficking and smuggling. It will also help establish an effective framework for repatriation through readmission agreements, said the ministers.
The ministers cautioned that the cooperation should fully respect international law and operate within the framework of the Global Approach to Migration.
The ministers also welcomed the initiative raised by the EU's Portuguese presidency to promote closer dialogue with all Euro-Mediterranean partners on immigration related issues.
Source: Xinhua
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