Ms Meloni's visit follows a call between her and President Kais Saied earlier this week, to address border surveillance and repatriation of undocumented migrants who cross the Mediterranean.

There's been an increase in racist assaults on sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia since an incendiary speech in February by President Saied.

Ms Meloni has warned Europe could face a huge wave of asylum seekers.

Tunisian media say her visit will put more pressure on the country "to play the role of Europe's coastguard".