(VOVWORLD) - A regional conference on combating irregular migration opened on Monday in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, with the participation of 27 nations from Europe, Africa, and North America, as well as international organizations.
The 3-day event aims to enhance the efforts of national bodies operating in fighting irregular migration and protecting immigrants, especially unaccompanied children. The three-day event is organized by the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons.
Egypt, which hosts nine million migrants, has repeatedly asserted that it will never be a transit point for illegal migrants eyeing Europe. As part of its cooperation with Egypt on reducing irregular migration, the EU gave Egypt in June 80 million euros for border management, search and rescue, and strengthening anti-smuggling activities.