Saudi Gazette report

LONDON — British Home Secretary Priti Patel met on Wednesday with the Greek Minister of Citizens’ Protection, Michalis Chrisochoidis, in Athens during her official visit to Greece.

During the meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to work together to address the challenges Greece and the United Kingdom face from terrorism and organized crime, the UK government said in a press statement.

She also met with the Greek Shipping and Island Policy Minister, Ioannis Plakiotakis, and discussed Athens' response to the scale and threat posed by small boat crossings in the Aegean and the involvement of organized immigration crime gangs in those crossings.

"We have seen a surge in illegal migration across Europe, and we must continue to work closely with Greek partners to tackle this challenge that both our countries face," Patel said

"Only by working together can we break up these crime gangs that extend throughout Europe and beyond, and stop the horrific trade in people across the continent."

"The government continues to take steps to tackle the unacceptable problem of illegal migration through the Nationality & Borders Bill which will protect lives and break this cycle of illegal migration," she added.

The UK home secretary then traveled to the island of Samos with the Greek Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis where she went out on patrol with the Hellenic Coastguard.

She heard first-hand accounts of those working on the front line and an overview of the methods the Hellenic Coastguard are using to save lives at sea whilst also preventing small boats illegally entering Greek waters.

On Wednesday morning, she visited a newly constructed reception center for migrants on the island, hearing from Minister Mitarakis about the latest asylum reforms the Greek government had brought forward.