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SE Europe wants comprehensive approach on tackling migration

Xinhua, February 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

The second informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) here on Tuesday resulted in a call for a comprehensive approach on tackling migration.

SEECP, the main political format for regional cooperation, pledged its full support for the activities of the international community aimed at effectively addressing the challenges of the migration crisis, the ministers said in a joint statement.

Only a comprehensive cross-border approach seeking a long-term solution can be successful, and coordinated actions may facilitate positive and concrete effects, the statement said.

Continuous enhanced cooperation at international, European, regional, national and local levels is needed, it said.

SEECP members reaffirmed their determination to prevent illegal border crossing and risky journeys, and to fight organized crime, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking.

They also expressed their readiness to enhance coordination regarding the movement of migratory flows through relevant information exchange within the region, as well as with relevant European Union (EU) agencies, international organizations, and third countries.

Meanwhile, SEECP shared the understanding that the focus of international efforts should be kept on addressing the root causes of migration, and emphasized the need to improve the dialogue with the countries of origin of irregular migrants.

"All tools shall be mobilized to enable effective return, in full respect of the principle of non-refoulement, and re-admission procedures as one of the main topics of our cooperation with those countries," the statement said.

In the words of Bulgarian foreign minister Daniel Mitov, the migration crisis is a problem that affects everyone in Europe and no country can solve it alone, so the EU needs to unite around common actions.

The SEECP joint statement will be presented at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the end of this week in Amsterdam, Mitov added. Endit