The Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, paid a visit to Berlin, where he met with his German counterpart, Mr. Alexander Dobrindt. During the bilateral meeting, the two Ministers discussed a number of issues of common interest related to the management of illegal immigration, as well as European initiatives for the protection of external borders. The discussion focused on national and European measures aimed at reducing irregular flows and enhancing returns and expulsions. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to implement the New Pact on Migration and Asylum and the Return Regulation in a manner that is mutually beneficial for Greece and Germany. Mr. Plevris expressed the intention of Greece to actively participate in the creation and operation of "return hubs" outside the European continent, and specifically in African countries, and asked to be informed about Germany's initiatives regarding the returns of migrants to Afghanistan and Syria.
