Rwanda and Washington are in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants from the United States, the Rwandan foreign minister told state media.

Washington has been pushing a mass deportation drive, with President Donald Trump’s administration negotiating highly controversial arrangements to send migrants to third countries.

The African nation – often viewed as a stable country in a turbulent region – previously made a similar multimillion deal with Britain to receive deported illegal migrants. However, it was scrapped immediately after a new government was elected last year.

Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed earlier reports that Rwanda was among countries talking to Washington over a migrant deal, following a question on state TV on Sunday.

“Those reports are true, we are engaged in discussions with the Government of the United States of America,” he said.