Italy and Germany reiterated their cooperation in facing and resolving the immigrants issue under EU framework, and help improving living conditions in Africa.

The two countries have achieved significant steps forward at the bilateral level regarding the migration issue, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said in a joint press conference Wednesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel following their summit talks in Maranello, Italy, which is historically famed for being the home of the Ferrari cars.

Renzi praised Merkel's initiative in welcoming over one million immigrants to her country last year, which exceeds the number of immigrants currently residing in Italy, stressing the importance of EU joint action in deporting illegal immigrants immediately and effectively. He also reiterated his country's commitment to continue saving endangered immigrants' lives.

For her part, Merkel expressed sorrow and sadness over the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Italy last week, announcing her country's donation of financing schools in areas where the quake hit the most.

The German Chancellor also expressed her satisfaction over the current mutual cooperation level between governments of both countries regarding the immigrants issue, and other political issues such as Ukraine and Libya, stressing the importance of deporting thousands of illegal immigrants in Germany and Italy.

It is the governments' duty to counter outlaws and human traffickers, Merkel said, pointing out the importance of resolving the migration issue, aiding immigrants through developmental cooperation with Africa, and creating partnerships such as in Niger and Mali in order to improve the living conditions for youngsters.

Meanwhile, the two senior officials agreed on boosting their cooperation with African countries, particularly in the migration issue

Source: KUNA