Italy to back Tunisian military forces

ROME, May 31 (KUNA) -- Italian Minister of Defense Elisabetta Trenta declared on Friday that a number of military personnel would be dispatched to Tunisia to back the Tunisian armed forces.
Trenta, who was addressing a joint parliamentary commission for external and defense affairs, said the government planned dispatch of a new military expedition to Tunisia to help this nation develop its military forces.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi said the government earmarked USD 2.3 million to fund a new initiative for aiding Tunisia in 2019.
Italy and Tunisia, two Mediterranean nations, have closely coordinated at various levels.
The two countries had inked deals to fight human trafficking and stem illegal immigration via the Mediterranean waters, often involving Italian coast guards to escort arriving migrants, seeking better living conditions and jobs in Europe. (end) mn.rk

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