European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska and his Moroccan counterpart Abdeluafi Laftit met in Rabat and an agreement was reached to “renew the partnership” in the fight against human trafficking after the tragedy in Melilla that affected 23 migrants. killed while trying to enter the territory.

In a joint statement, the participants noted that “highlighting the fruitful results of their cooperation based on shared responsibility in the field of migration, the participants agreed to renew their partnership to counter trafficking networks, especially after the emergence of new operating models characterized by extreme violence.”

They stated that “The European Commissioner and the two ministers deplore the loss of life of all people who tried to migrate illegally, including those who lost their lives during the recent tragic events of 24 June.”

The agreement will include support for border management operations, increased cooperation between the Spanish and Moroccan police, including joint investigations, and increased cooperation with European Union agencies.