Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama after inspecting the refugee camps in Shengjin and Gjader, Meloni said that 15 EU member states have demanded from the European Commission to follow the lead of Albania-Italy deal to manage the waves of illegal migrants to the EU territory,

The Italian PM Meloni also noted that the agreement between Albania and Italy could set a positive example for other EU member states as they struggle to address the illegal immigration, which has been a matter of concern for the European family since 1991.

“When I visited Albania last year and when I had the chance to discuss the deal with the Prime Minister Rama, we took into consideration several criteria and conditions, because illegal migration is a disturbing phenomenon that the EU member states cannot tackle alone, but they definitely need the assistance of the non-EU members. We should further strengthen cooperation under this agreement, which is based on three main objectives; the fight against trafficking in human beings or the illegal migration,” she said.

Meloni underlined that Albania has made available the territory to host the refugee processing centres in Shengjin and Gjader, northwest Albania. It is an innovative agreement. I think you remember that I wished for the accord to set an example for other countries to follow. Today, 15 out of 27 EU member states have signed and forwarded an appeal to the European Commission  demanding that they follow the Albania-Italy deal lead,” Meloni stated.

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