A delegation of European leaders has promised over $1bn of financial assistance to Tunisia, as part of a proposed wider agreement encompassing action to tackle migration.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the prime ministers of Italy and the Netherlands – Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte respectively, have been holding talks with President Kais Saied.

Ms. von der Leyen said, the EU would provide Tunisia with over $100m this year for border management, search and rescue, and returning immigrants.

She stressed both sides wanted to break what she called, the cynical business model of people smugglers.

However, on Saturday, Saied rejected Tunisia acting as what he called, a border guard for Europe.