Türkiye and Italy have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at curbing illegal migration and strengthening bilateral ties. The deal was formalized in Rome by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, focusing on coordinated action against human trafficking and organized crime.
The agreement includes closer collaboration between the two countries’ coast guards, joint training for law enforcement, and efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the Mediterranean. Officials emphasized that the cooperation will be particularly effective in Libya, a key transit hub for thousands of migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Both ministers highlighted their shared interest in ensuring Libya’s stability. They also reaffirmed their determination to deepen the Türkiye-Italy partnership across sectors, from defense and energy to trade and technology. Fidan cited projects such as Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar’s partnership with Italy’s Leonardo and the Eurofighter procurement process as examples of growing cooperation.
Regional stability was also a key focus of the talks. Both sides discussed the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, stressing the need for stronger international action to end conflicts and prevent further humanitarian crises. They underscored that Türkiye and Italy share a common vision of promoting peace and security in the Mediterranean and beyond.
Trade ties remain a cornerstone of the relationship, with bilateral trade reaching $32.2 billion in 2024. Both countries have now set a new target of $40 billion, reflecting their commitment to strengthening economic links alongside political and security cooperation.