By Burak Bir
LONDON (AA) - Britain has announced new funding for programs in Tunisia "to smash the gangs" and secure UK borders as the country's foreign secretary travelled to the north African country on Friday.
During his visit to Tunisia, David Lammy was received by President Kais Saied and also met with his Tunisian counterpart Mohamed Ali Nafti, discussing work to boost education and employment in the region, and to reduce irregular migration.
"Using UK-supplied cutting edge drones and night vision the Tunisia National Maritime Guard are using UK supplied drone & night vision to dissuade perilous journeys by sea, smash the gangs, and save lives," Lammy wrote on X.
In a statement, the British Foreign Office said that UK boosts support for projects in North Africa to tackle drivers of small boats arrivals in Europe and UK.
In his visit, Lammy announced new £5 million ($6.1 million) funding for programs to educate and upskill would-be migrants to become more employable in their home country, and support reintegration for migrants who wish to return.
"Through working with countries like Tunisia, we are addressing the root causes of irregular migration and delivering on our Plan for Change," Lammy said in the statement.
The Foreign Office noted that today’s announcement shows the UK’s strategy to "disrupt people smuggling networks, slash migration levels and double down on recent partnerships with European and regional partners to bear down on groups responsible for the evil trade in human lives."