Pakistan and the European Union have decided to work jointly on the European Union's Eastern Corridor Initiative to eliminate illegal migration.

It was decided at a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Islamabad today.

They agreed to enhance cooperation in border security and the promotion of legal immigration.

Both sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in migration, institutional collaboration and border management.

They discussed enhancing mutual cooperation to build the capacity of the Pakistan Coast Guards.

The meeting also discussed promoting legal migration between Pakistan and the European Union and expanding opportunities for skilled workers.

Speaking on the occasion, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration said that illegal migration is an extremely serious global issue and assured Pakistan of all possible cooperation in this regard.

He said that the 64 per cent decline in illegal migration to Europe, owing to Pakistan's effective measures, is commendable.

Magnus Brunner also commended the Federal Investigation Agency for demonstrating professional competence despite limited resources.

In his remarks, the Interior Minister said that following a 64 per cent reduction in illegal migration, Pakistan's next target was to eliminate it completely.