The European Union has signed a partnership deal with Tunisia's President Kaïs Saïed, partly aimed at combating people trafficking.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised increased cooperation on border management and search and rescue operations.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni says it was an important step towards creating a true partnership in tackling what she called the migration crisis.
Members of the European Parliament have called for the deal to be conditional on respect for democracy and the rule of law in Tunisia.