The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Rishi Sunak, is scheduled to meet with the leaders of Italy and Albania during his visit to Rome. The discussions are expected to focus on illegal immigration and organized crime, two critical issues that require joint efforts. Mr. Sunak has fostered a strong partnership with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, and he will also make an appearance at a right-wing political event organized by her party.
The annual Atreju event organized by the Brothers of Italy is expected to have high-profile guests like billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, the former Trump ally Steve Bannon, and the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Mr. Sunak, who has been seeking European allies’ support to combat illegal migration, believes that both Albania and Italy are essential partners.
Additionally, Mr. Sunak has been advocating for a returns agreement with Albania, which is seen as a key achievement in the broader effort to combat small boat crossings in the Channel. Downing Street has emphasized that illegal migration is a shared global challenge that requires international collaboration to address. The latest developments in Westminster have revolved around the government’s Rwanda Bill, aimed at curbing Channel crossings by sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Mr. Sunak has expressed openness to make changes to the Bill, provided they are supported by credible legal arguments, as the government aims to quell dissent among Tory MPs.