Dimitris Avramopoulos, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, has underscored the need for urgent measures in the sphere of irregular migration.

Avramopoulos issued a statement late on Monday in connection with the death of 24 migrants after the sinking of a boat near Istanbul earlier the same day.

Rescuers pulled 24 bodies and seven survivors from the water.

The boat had been carrying 43 people, including 12 children, according to local news agencies, as cited by CNN.

"I am appalled by today's tragedy in Turkey. This new deadly incident brings once again to the forefront the urgency to take concrete action to save lives, to address irregular migration, and to help those in need of protection,” Avramopoulos declared.

“It is imperative to improve cooperation on this matter with countries that function as departure points for migrants seeking to reach EU countries. On my first working day as Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, this is my top priority,” the EU Migration Commissioner noted, as cited by the press office of the European Commission.

He vowed to continue to follow the situation and remain in contact with the authorities of the affected countries, as well as to present a comprehensive approach to the issue.

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