Vienna - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs took part in a ministerial conference on migrations in Vienna on Tuesday, stressing that "effective management of migration flows requires a unified approach and enhanced cooperation with regional partners".

"The effective and rapid return of persons who have not applied for or are not eligible for international protection is also an integral part of a successful and fair migration policy," said Hojs.

At the meeting, Hojs advocated the establishment of a sustainable system at the regional level, based on solidarity and mutual assistance. He also proposed assistance in the form of EU funding for operational cooperation and information exchange.

In order to take a comprehensive approach to preventing illegal migration, Hojs said it was necessary to improve cooperation with third countries and to achieve the readiness in countries of origin to readmit and reintegrate their own citizens.

"In this context, it is important that our partners in the Western Balkans align their visa regimes and bring them closer to the visa policies that are in place within the EU," the minister said.

On the sidelines of the conference, Hojs also met his Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner, who took over as Interior Minister in December. Both agreed that cooperation between the ministries and the police forces of Austria and Slovenia as neighbouring and friendly countries has traditionally been good, the Slovenian Interior Ministry said.