Ankara refutes information to send African refugees from Italy to Türkiye

The Center for Combating Disinformation of the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications has refuted denied media reports alleging an agreement was reached with Rome to send African refugees from Italian territory to Türkiye.

The issue was allegedly discussed during the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Istanbul on January 20, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

While touring the city, the Italian Prime Minster was accompanied by Turkish historian Ilber Ortayli.

"Information that Ilber Ortayli, who had a communication with PM Meloni, said that Italy wants to send African migrants to Türkiye, is false. During Meloni’s visit, no agreements were reached and there was not even talk about this. It became clear that allegations Italy will send refugees from Africa to Türkiye have become widespread after the Il Giornale newspaper’s publication," the center said in a statement.