Associated Press: Migration is one of the key topics of discussion among G7 leaders

Associated Press reported that one of the key topics of discussion among the leaders of the G7 countries on Friday, June 15, is 'migration,' and they are seeking ways to combat trafficking and increase investment in countries from which people are migrating. According to the report, other important topics such as financial support for Ukraine, the war in Gaza, artificial intelligence, climate change, and China will also be discussed at the summit, which began on Thursday, June 14, in the southern region of 'Puglia' in Italy. The Associated Press noted that the issue of migration is particularly significant for Italy, the host of the summit, as it is one of the main entry routes for refugees into the European Union fleeing war and poverty in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In this context, Giorgia Meloni, the right-wing Prime Minister of Italy, known for her strict stance on migration, is keen to increase investment and budget allocation for African countries as a way to reduce the influx of migrants into Europe. She mentioned this in her opening speech at the G7 leaders' summit and signed a controversial 5-year agreement with Albania to host thousands of asylum seekers until Italy processes their asylum requests. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, over 22,000 people have entered Italy by sea since the beginning of this year. In the previous year, more than 157,000 entered the country, and nearly 2,000 lost their lives or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The report also stated that the United States is facing an increasing number of migrant arrivals at its southern borders. Meanwhile, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, stated at the G7 summit that addressing migration is 'a shared challenge.' Restrictions on entry into EU member states and the UK have faced criticism from human rights organizations.