Foreign Minister Urges the Strengthening of Coast Guards Instead of Financing NGOs

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, emphasized that Brussels should prioritize funding the development of coast guards in North Africa over supporting NGOs that collaborate with people smugglers and facilitate migrant transportation.

Following discussions with Tunisia’s President Kais Saied, Mr. Szijjártó highlighted the impending Hungarian EU presidency, noting the pressing challenges facing the continent, particularly concerning migratory pressures. He criticized Brussels’ current pro-migration policies, which he believes are detrimental to both Europe and North Africa, citing illegal immigration as a threat to countries involved in both transit and destination.

To effectively address migration, Brussels must make two crucial changes. Firstly, we need to cease funding NGOs collaborating with smugglers to transport migrants,” the Minister asserted.

“These NGOs engage in transporting migrants across the Mediterranean, colluding with people smugglers for profit. Instead, we should redirect funding towards modernizing the coast guards of North African countries,” he added.

Mr. Szijjártó emphasized that the substantial sums allocated by Brussels to these NGOs could be more effectively utilized in bolstering North African coast guards, thus preventing people smuggling and alleviating migratory pressures. He further urged Brussels to refrain from dictating terms to African nations and advocated for a return to a relationship based on mutual respect.

The Minister warned of Africa’s projected population growth of 750 million over the next 20 years, stressing the urgent need for significant economic development initiatives.

Without such programs, he cautioned, Europe will face increasingly challenging humanitarian and security issues if Africa is left unsupported.

“We recognize the pivotal role of the North African Line of Defense when Europe is confronting migration, with Tunisia holding a crucial position,” he remarked.

He concluded by calling on the European Union to refrain from meddling in Tunisia’s internal political affairs, urging instead for cooperation in combating migration and implementing economic development projects as part of a comprehensive partnership agreement.

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Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Migrants Situation

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