Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has called on Italy and the European Union to provide direct and explicit support to the Government of National Unity (GNU) as Libya grapples with the mounting security and humanitarian costs of illegal migration. During a meeting on Sunday with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, Dbeibah reiterated Libya’s firm refusal to serve as a permanent settlement or a transit hub for migrants. He emphasised that the only viable solution lies in supporting repatriation and return strategies to ensure a fair distribution of responsibilities.
International Agreement to Develop Misrata Free Zone Port
The discussions also highlighted a significant deepening of economic ties, particularly in infrastructure and energy. Dbeibah pointed to a $2.7 billion strategic partnership to expand the Misrata Free Zone port. Led by international firms including MSC, the project aims to increase the port’s capacity to 4 million containers annually, generating an estimated $500 million in yearly revenue and creating over 70,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Prime Minister noted that this initiative is funded through foreign direct investment, shielding the national budget from additional costs.
Global energy companies move closer to returning to Iraq and Libya
Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with Dbeibah welcoming Eni’s recent launch of deep-water exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Sirte. This project, conducted alongside BP and Libya’s National Oil Corporation using the advanced Saipem 10000 vessel, underscores the technical collaboration between the two nations. Both officials concluded by reaffirming their commitment to a partnership that addresses shared challenges—chiefly irregular migration—while fostering long-term regional stability and economic development.