The issue of illegal migrations requires a regional and joint European approach, and it is the only way to achieve desired results, said Security Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dragan Mektic during a meeting of the Western Balkan ministers with European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Dimitris Avramopoulos in Brussels on Tuesday.

The meeting concluded, according to Bosnia's Security Ministry, that strengthening the efficiency of border control, fight against the people smuggling and joint work on combatting the illegal migrations remains a top priority of the EU and the Western Balkan region.

The officials met to discuss the challenges and cooperation of the Western Balkan countries in sectors of migrations, security, border control and visa policy, said Bosnia's Security Ministry. They also reviewed the situation with migrants in the region, the operations the countries are taking individually as well as their mutual cooperation.

Minister Mektic informed the commissioner and ministers about the challenges Bosnia is facing due to the influx of migrants that started at the beginning of this year as well as about the conclusions of a recent ministerial meeting in Sarajevo and future work on combatting the illegal migrations.

According to the Security Ministry, Bosnia was commended for the activities and measures it takes regarding the situation with migrants.

The Western Balkan ministers and the EU confirmed in the meeting they would continue the cooperation in fighting the departure of citizens to foreign war zones, combatting the violent extremism and radicalism as well as against the illegal weapon trade.

The Brussels meeting was organized by the EU Council.