United News of Bangladesh

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro on Monday (10th November 2025) said Illegal migration affects Bangladesh’s passport ranking and complicates bilateral cooperation, stressing that migration must take place through legal channels. “Irregular entry into Italy and false asylum claims ultimately harm Bangladesh’s global standing and passport ranking,” he said. The Italian Ambassador said his country attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh, particularly in migration, investment, and cooperation, while calling for stronger institutional reforms and lawful migration to deepen bilateral ties. He was speaking at a seminar titled “Strengthening Ties: The Future Vision of Bangladesh–Italy Relations” at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Ambassador Alessandro said Bangladesh and Italy remain “important partners” in migration and development. He said around 18,000 Bangladeshis entered Italy illegally through Libya this year, while 9,000 Bangladeshi nationals received legal visas, including 530 students. Read more: Prof Yunus leaves for Rome to attend World Food Forum The Ambassador said Italy maintains defence cooperation with Bangladesh but “does not sell weapons to any country under the pretext of geopolitical considerations or partnerships.” He said Bangladesh would decide independently if and when it wishes to purchase defence equipment from Italy. Ambassador Alessandro expressed optimism that the upcoming general election in February would be free and fair, saying Italy supports Bangladesh’s democratic process. “We believe reforms will bring stability, ensuring no one feels compelled to seek political asylum abroad,” he said. Highlighting investment challenges, he pointed to the need for greater credibility of public documents and lower customs duties to attract small and medium-sized Italian companies. He noted that Bangladesh’s readymade garments are exported to Italy, while industrial machinery is imported from Italy. UNHCR welcomes Italy’s contribution of EUR 2.5mn for essential assistance to Rohingyas He stressed the importance of fair and transparent procedures to build investor confidence and promote mutually beneficial growth. The Ambassador also mentioned that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to visit Dhaka soon, after postponing her earlier Asian tour due to discussions on the Ukraine war. BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis chaired the seminar. Professor Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid of Dhaka University and Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Director General (East Europe, CIS, West Europe and EU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented papers, while Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam moderated the session. The seminar underscored the growing importance of Bangladesh–Italy relations, highlighting mutual interest in strengthening cooperation across labour migration, economic partnership, defence dialogue, and institutional transparency. Both sides reiterated their shared vision of advancing a stable, prosperous and inclusive future built on mutual respect and strategic cooperation. Read more: Bangladesh-Italy’s economic ties in focus as Meloni mulls Dhaka visit

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus left here for Rome, the capital city of Italy, on Sunday morning to join the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) that began on October 10 and runs through October 17, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization at its headquarters. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourages left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) around 11:30 am, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. In addition to attending the WFF, the Chief Adviser is expected to have a number of high-profile meetings, including a meeting with FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB on Sunday. The theme for the week-long event is ‘Hand in Hand for better foods and a better future’, and it focuses on three pillars: Global Youth Action, Science and Innovation, and Hand-In-Hand Investment. Prof Yunus urges youths to be visionary, shape world they want The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home on Wednesday morning. Prof Yunus will deliver a speech as an invited guest at the main session of the WFF. The World Food Forum (WFF) is an open and inclusive global platform established by the Youth Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2021 to drive the transformation of agrifood systems through the power of youth, science and innovation, and investment. It brings together stakeholders of all ages and sectors to turn ideas into action, scale solutions and foster meaningful partnerships that accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Friday inaugurated ‘From Seeds to Foods’, the first global exhibition tracing the evolution of agrifood systems – from the origins of agriculture to today’s innovations. Led by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the high-level opening ceremony took place within the Park of Porta Capena, directly opposite FAO headquarters, and officially marked the beginning of the Organization’s 80th Anniversary celebrations. “Every food journey begins with something small: a seed, a seedling, a fingerling, breeding stock, or genetic material,” the FAO Director-General said in his opening remarks. From these humble beginnings grow the amazing diversity of foods that nourish and connect us all," he added. Qu also emphasised that food is not only about science or biology – it is about people.  “Farmers, fishers, herders, scientists, youths and women – the millions of hands and minds that make food possible every single day," he said.  

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to visit Bangladesh in December this year as the two countries eye an expanded economic cooperation with stronger collaboration to ensure safe migration. She proposed the establishment of an Italy-Bangladesh Business Forum aimed at promoting Italian investment in Bangladesh. The Italian Prime Minister met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday afternoon (NY time) and discussed issues of mutual interest. "The Italian Prime Minister expects that she will come to Bangladesh in December," Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters after the meeting. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad were present at the briefing. The leaders also discussed a wide range of issues, including the upcoming general election in Bangladesh, migration challenges, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and a possible visit by Prime Minister Meloni to Bangladesh in December. Prof Yunus introduces political leaders with top US companies The meeting between the Chief Adviser and Italian Prime Minister provided an opportunity to discuss the "safe migration" issues to combat irregular migration flows. "There was a discussion with the Italian Prime Minister about safe migration. You know, a lot of people are lured from Bangladesh (human trafficking). In many cases it turns into a tragedy. As you have seen, many Bangladeshis have died in the Mediterranean," Alam said, adding that there was a discussion about how to ensure safe migration. During the meeting, Prime Minister Meloni expressed support for the ongoing democratic transition process and reform programme in Bangladesh, underscoring Italy’s intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere. The two leaders also had an in-depth exchange of views on migration issues, agreeing on the importance of intensifying efforts to fight irregular immigration and combat criminal human trafficking networks. They particularly discussed ways to establish closer cooperation on returns and to support legal migration flows, for example through vocational training programmes in Bangladesh for workers specialised in sectors that are in demand from Italy’s productive system. Commerce adviser, Pakistan PM’s trade coordinator discuss boosting bilateral ties Prime Minister Meloni expressed Italy’s willingness to engage constructively with Dhaka to ensure safe migration pathways that would benefit both nations. She underscored the need for stronger measures to combat human trafficking, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of migrants in the Mediterranean. In response, Chief Adviser Yunus stated that the Bangladeshi interim government has already adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking and has implemented several initiatives to ensure safer migration routes for Bangladeshi citizens. "We need more global efforts to prevent human smuggling," Professor Yunus emphasised. When Prof Yunus highlighted the importance of further expanding trade relations between the two countries, the Italian Prime Minister proposed for Italy-Bangladesh Business Forum. Prof Yunus welcomed the initiative, noting that while the two countries share longstanding ties, there remains significant potential to expand trade and investment cooperation. Investment opportunities in Bangladesh better than ever: Commerce Adviser Addressing the political transition in Bangladesh, Professor Yunus said the country is on track to hold general elections in February, after which he plans to return to his previous role. Prime Minister Meloni commended Prof Yunus’ leadership over the past 14 months as the head of the interim government and assured him that Italy would advocate within the European Union to support Bangladesh in holding a free and fair election. The two leaders also exchanged views on the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Prof Yunus urged increased international support for over one million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh. In response, Prime Minister Meloni pledged to send a high-level delegation to next week’s international conference on the crisis at UN headquarters. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting. The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, visited New York from September 23 to 24 to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly. Prof Yunus calls for smarter financing to close $4 trillion SDG gap with five priorities She had bilateral meetings with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, and with the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, and later held a press point. In May this year, Bangladesh and Italy agreed to enhance cooperation in combating transnational organised crimes, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling as well as terrorism and cybercrime. The two countries emphasised the importance of capacity-building, continued information and intelligence sharing and joint training to strengthen security frameworks in both nations. Both sides agreed to make arrangements towards establishing a 'joint committee' to promote cooperation in preventing and combating transnational organised crime and capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement agencies, according to a joint statement issued after the official visit of Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi to Bangladesh on May 5-6.

The World's 50 Best Beaches platform, renowned for curating coastal destinations across the globe, has unveiled its anticipated 2025 rankings. This latest compilation celebrates the finest shores that blend natural beauty with pristine conditions. Claiming the coveted top spot this year is Italy’s Cala Goloritze, a striking Mediterranean gem. Let’s explore the key highlights and details that earned this idyllic haven global recognition. About Cala Goloritze Beach Tucked along the Baunei Coast on Sardinia’s eastern edge, this breathtaking cove stands apart from the island’s extensive 1,000-mile shoreline. Sardinia is dotted with countless scenic beaches. Among them, this secluded stretch in the Gulf of Orosei’s southern reaches offers a raw, untouched allure that few can rival. Daily visitor numbers are capped at just 250 to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Yet, those who make the effort are rewarded with a scene born from nature’s drama. It includes towering limestone cliffs, crystalline waters, and a dramatic rock spire shaped by a 1960s landslide. Read more: Hong Kong’s Cloud-Covered Kowloon Peak Resembles Mount Fuji, Sparking Tourist Surge Its striking natural features and ecological significance led to official recognition in the early 1990s. First declared a regional natural monument in 1993, it was further honoured with national monument status by 1995. What Makes Cala Goloritze So Special Along Sardinia’s Baunei Coast, where dramatic cliffs meet sapphire seas, one secluded cove rises above the rest for its exceptional character. Framed by a soaring 143-metre limestone pinnacle, the setting combines natural drama with serene clarity. Its waters are so pure they seem almost unreal. This rare harmony of elements sets the area apart, even amid a coastline renowned for its beauty. Preservation remains at the heart of its allure. Stringent conservation policies include limiting footfall, banning motorised access, and barring boats from docking. All these have helped maintain the site’s pristine condition. No roads carve through its landscape, and no unchecked development mars its rugged charm. Read more: Yemeni Island Socotra: The Most Alien-Looking Place On Earth Drawing Global Wanderers When judges unveiled the beach as the world’s finest, they reflected on how its unspoiled beauty evokes a powerful emotional response. They noted that whether one observes it from the cliffs above or stands at the water’s edge, the experience lingers. Best Season to Visit Travellers hoping to sidestep peak-season crowds would do well to look beyond July and August. These two months, though popular, often bring a surge of visitors that can overwhelm the serenity. For a quieter experience without sacrificing sunshine, June and September offer the perfect compromise. These shoulder months balance mild weather with a calmer atmosphere, allowing the landscape to be appreciated in peace. How to Reach Cala Goloritze Getting to this remote coastal haven takes planning and a fair bit of determination. Its isolation isn’t accidental but a deliberate measure to preserve the purity of its setting. Unlike more accessible beaches, this stretch of Sardinian coastline offers no shortcuts. Read more: Chongqing, The 3D City: Chinese Megacity Looking Like AI-Generated There are only two routes in: a challenging hike or a swim from the sea. Boats are allowed to approach, but only up to 200 metres from the shore. From there, it’s the swimmer’s effort that completes the journey. On land, the journey begins well before the trailhead. Travellers must fly into either Olbia or Cagliari, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Sa Porteddu. That’s where the footpath begins, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The beach itself closes promptly at 5 p.m. Entry is limited and managed strictly. Advance online reservations are essential, as on-the-spot access can’t be guaranteed. The hike takes roughly 90 minutes each way, cutting through rugged terrain that mirrors the untamed character. To reach the shoreline by water, rental services from Arbatax or Santa Maria Navarrese, both nearby ports, provide the most comfortable marine route. Even then, strict regulations prevent motorboat traffic from disturbing the last 200 metres. Read more: Wales’s Stream in the Sky: World’s Tallest Navigable Aqueduct Pontcysyllte

Bangladesh and Italy have agreed to enhance cooperation in combating transnational organised crimes, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling as well as terrorism and cybercrime. The two countries emphasised the importance of capacity-building, continued information and intelligence sharing and joint training to strengthen security frameworks in both nations. Both sides agreed to make arrangements towards establishing a Joint Committee to promote cooperation in preventing and combating transnational organised crime and capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement agencies, according to a joint statement issued on the just concluded visit of Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi who paid an official visit to Bangladesh on May 5-6. One of the key outcomes of the visit was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration and Mobility between the two governments, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. FIPA key to boosting Canadian investor confidence: Canada’s Indo-Pacific envoy For Bangladesh, this MoU reflects the government’s commitment to expanding labour markets abroad, securing remittance inflows and uplifting the lives of people through legal migration pathways. For Italy, it offers a solution to the challenges of labour shortages while promoting safe, orderly and regular migration. This MoU will also help address irregular migration jointly and more effectively, including in line with the provisions of the ‘Standard Operating Procedures for the Identification and Return of Persons without an Authorisation to Stay’ signed between Bangladesh and the EU in 2017, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, he met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Piantedosi also held bilateral meetings with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain; Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Home Affairs and Agriculture Adviser Lt General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.  The visit reaffirmed the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and Italy, grounded in mutual respect, shared values and common interests. During the visit, both sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations and discussed a wide range of issues, including security cooperation, migration management, law enforcement collaboration, streamlined visa processing arrangements and the welfare of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy. The two countries also reflected on the shared desire of Bangladesh and Italy to foster a mutually beneficial partnership for promoting economic growth, social development and the well-being of their people. Cross-border assistance works only when individuals are safe on both sides: EU During his meeting with the Chief Adviser, Piantedosi reaffirmed Italy’s continued support for the Interim Government of Bangladesh and its initiatives for political and socio-economic reforms, echoing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s commitment conveyed during her meeting with the Bangladesh Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2024 in New York. Describing Italy as a valued partner of Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser stressed the need for expanding bilateral trade, including through greater market access, business-to-business partnerships, and joint ventures in sectors such as textiles, leather, information technology, and food processing. He also laid emphasis on deepening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in diverse areas, including, innovation, climate change, renewable energy, education, cultural exchange, migration and people-to-people links, especially the youth. While meeting the Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Italian Minister emphasised promoting mutual prosperity through labour mobility. In view of the increasing demand for skilled workers in Italy and the potential for Bangladesh to provide a well-trained, hardworking and young workforce, the Bangladesh Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser requested for considering increased quotas for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers under the legal migration pathways. Both of them also agreed to explore concrete avenues for enhancing skills development initiatives. They expressed their willingness to work together to promote formal remittance channels and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the dignity, safety and wellbeing of migrant workers. During the meeting between the Bangladesh Foreign Adviser and the Italian Interior Minister, the two dignitaries acknowledged the significant contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora to both economies. They underscored the need for enhancing legal migration pathways and addressing irregular migration through joint efforts. The Bangladesh Foreign Adviser appreciated the government of Italy for hosting the second-largest Bangladeshi diaspora in Europe. He also urged to resolve the issue of pending visa applications with the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, particularly for those with genuine work permits, at the earliest. At the same time, he requested for finding suitable alternatives to expedite the verification of work permits by the Italian Provincial Immigration Office.  Both the Bangladesh Home Adviser and the Italian Interior Minister, in a bilateral meeting, welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries. Piantedosi also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation on the repatriation of those arriving illegally. The two sides concurred on organising a visit of the head of government of Italy to Bangladesh at an early date. The Italian minister expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s efforts to stabilize the economy and accelerate growth as well as its generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. The Bangladesh side acknowledged Italy’s continued support within the European Union and international forums. Both sides expressed confidence that the outcomes of the visit would further strengthen the partnership between Bangladesh and Italy and lay the foundation for deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest.    

Italian authorities on Friday transferred 40 migrants with no permission to remain in the country to Italian-run migration detention centres in Albania. It was the first time a European Union country sent rejected migrants to a nation outside the EU that is neither their own nor a country they had transited on their journey, migration experts said, AP reports. A military ship with the migrants departed the Italian port of Brindisi and arrived hours later in the Albanian port of Shengjin, about 65 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of the capital, Tirana. The migrants were seen being transferred in buses and minivans under heavy security to an Italian-run centre in Shengjin, where they will be processed before being transferred to a second centre in Gjader, also run by Italian authorities. The Italian government has not released their nationalities or further details. China, ASEAN media and think tanks urged to embrace AI, address its challenges Both facilities in Shengjin and in Gjader were originally built to process asylum requests of people intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by Italy. But since their inauguration in October, Italian courts have stopped authorities from using them and small groups of migrants sent there have returned to Italy. Italy’s far-right-led government of Premier Giorgia Meloni approved a decree last month that expanded the use of the Albanian fast-track asylum processing centers to include the detention of rejected asylum-seekers with deportation orders. It is not clear how long the migrants may be held in Albania. In Italy they can be detained for up to 18 months pending deportation. Meloni's novel approach to expel the migrants echoes US President Donald Trump’s recent deportations of migrants of various nationalities to Panama. It's also in line with a recent EU Commission proposal that, if passed, would allow EU members to set up so-called “return hubs” abroad.

The Italian government has approved a draft law that officially recognises femicide as a distinct crime within the country's criminal law, with penalties of up to life imprisonment, reports AP. This decision, announced just before International Women's Day on Saturday, aims to address the alarming rate of homicides and violence against women in Italy. The law proposes stronger measures against gender-based crimes such as stalking and revenge porn. Italy Embassy in Dhaka reaffirms commitment to combating visa corruption The proposal, agreed upon late Friday, still requires approval by both houses of parliament to become law. “This is a highly significant bill, which introduces femicide as an independent crime in our legal framework, with a life sentence as the penalty,” said conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a strong supporter of the measure. “It also includes aggravating factors and harsher sentences for crimes like personal abuse, stalking, sexual violence, and revenge porn,” she added. While the centre-left opposition welcomed the initiative, they noted that the law focuses only on the criminal aspect, leaving economic and cultural disparities unaddressed. Femicide has become a systemic issue deeply rooted in Italy’s patriarchal culture, with some violent incidents sparking renewed discussions on gender-based violence. A notable case was the murder of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old university student fatally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta in November 2023. In December, Turetta was sentenced to life imprisonment. Italy contributes €3 million to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh Recent studies show that, although homicides are decreasing in Italy, femicides remain stable or decline only slightly, with the majority linked to domestic or emotional relationships. According to the Italian Interior Ministry, 113 femicides were recorded in 2024, 99 of which were committed by family members, partners, or ex-partners.

Highlighting that Bangladesh wants to diversify its sourcing for defence materials, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday welcomed Italian interest in contributing to the modernisation of the defence sector of Bangladesh. Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Maria Tripodi, met with the Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest. On the issue of migration, both sides commended contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to both the economies. They prioritised the need for expanding legal migration pathways while affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant exploitation. As raised by the foreign adviser with deep concern, the vice-minister assured expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Referring to the warm bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi conveyed firm support of the Italian government to the interim government of Bangladesh and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives towards building a peaceful Bangladesh. BGMEA president seeks embassy’s support in attracting Italy’s investment She expressed satisfaction over the trade relations between the two countries, further desired to expand cooperation, particularly in textile and defence sectors. Based on the dynamic economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy, he opted for more Italian investment, especially in the greenfield sectors. He also apprised that the present government, particularly, BIDA, is working relentlessly to create better business environment in Bangladesh with simplifying the processes for foreign investors. Tripodi lauded Bangladesh’s generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and reiterated continued humanitarian and political support of Italy. Pointing to the present political situation in Myanmar with control of non-state actors in the bordering area, the foreign adviser expressed concern over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing. Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar, is the only solution to this problem, he emphasised. The Italian vice minister is paying a two-day-long official visit to Bangladesh. This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the interim government, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Biman seeks Italy’s support for inaugural Dhaka-Rome flight After arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, she was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe and EU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Italy has sent 49 more migrants to Albania for processing following earlier court rejections, in a continuation of efforts to handle asylum applications, reports AP. An Italian navy vessel arrived in Albania on Tuesday with the migrants, who were intercepted in international waters, to have their asylum claims processed at designated centres in Albania. This marks the third attempt after previous setbacks in October and November, when Italian courts rejected the detention of two groups at the Albanian centres, which were established under a controversial agreement between Italy and Albania. The courts ruled that the migrants’ home countries were not deemed safe enough for them to face potential repatriation from these centres. Colombia agrees to take deported migrants after Trump tariff showdown: White House The cases are now being handled by the European Court of Justice, which has ruled that asylum seekers cannot undergo fast-track procedures leading to deportation if their home countries are not considered entirely safe. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 25. Italy’s government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, remains determined to reactivate the centres in Albania despite the court decisions. In late December, Italy’s highest court ruled that Italian judges could not override government policy in determining which countries are safe for migrant repatriation, though lower courts may still make case-by-case decisions. The migrants will be processed at a reception centre in Shengjin, a port city 66 kilometres northwest of Tirana, before being transferred to the Gjader accommodation centre, about 22 kilometres east. The agreement between Italy and Albania, which was signed in November 2023, permits up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by Italy's coast guard each month to be sheltered in Albania while their asylum claims are assessed. 71 Bangladeshis among 176 illegal immigrants held in Malaysia Under the deal, Italy will take in those granted asylum, while migrants whose claims are rejected will be deported directly from Albania. While the agreement has been praised by some countries facing high migrant arrivals, human rights advocates have voiced concerns about the potential implications of outsourcing the accommodation of asylum seekers to a non-EU country. So far this year, 3,704 migrants have arrived in Italy, more than double the number compared to the same period last year, which saw 1,305 arrivals. In total, 66,317 migrants reached Italy last year, a 58% decrease from the previous year. The majority came from Bangladesh, followed by Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran for three weeks, was released on Wednesday and is returning to Italy, as confirmed by Italian officials, reports AP. Sala's case had become linked to that of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian engineer wanted by the U.S. The Italian government reported that a plane carrying Sala, 29, departed Tehran after extensive diplomatic and intelligence negotiations, with Premier Giorgia Meloni personally informing her parents of the news. Italy summons Iran's ambassador to release arrested Italian journalist Iranian media acknowledged the release, though no official comment was given by Iranian authorities. Sala, a reporter for Il Foglio, was arrested in Tehran on December 19, three days after arriving on a journalist visa, accused of violating Iranian laws. There was speculation in Italy that Sala’s detention was a bargaining tactic to secure the release of Abedini, arrested in Milan on December 16 at the request of the U.S. government. The U.S. Justice Department charged Abedini, along with another Iranian, with supplying drone technology to Iran, which was used in a January 2024 attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan. Abedini remains in detention in Italy. The release of Sala was celebrated in Italy, where her case had captured significant media attention. Lawmakers praised the diplomatic success in securing her release. It followed a surprise trip by Premier Meloni to Florida last weekend to meet U.S. US restricts Russian and Iranian groups over disinformation targeting American voters President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meloni shared the news of Sala's return on social media, expressing gratitude to those who helped bring her home, allowing her to reunite with her family and colleagues. The fates of Sala and Abedini had become entangled, with both countries' foreign ministries summoning each other's ambassadors to demand the release of the detainees and fair treatment in custody. The diplomatic challenge was particularly sensitive for Italy, which is a historical ally of the U.S. but maintains traditionally cordial relations with Iran. Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, took a hands-on approach to the case, emphasizing the importance of the successful diplomatic negotiations, marking a significant victory for Meloni. Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play after they were banned amid protests Iran has a history of using individuals with Western ties as bargaining tools in international negotiations, dating back to the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis. Other Western journalists, including American Roxana Saberi and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, have also been detained by Iran in the past.