Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, received Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Tripoli this Monday to discuss enhancing relations between the two countries. The talks centered intensively on ways to develop existing mechanisms to combat illegal migration flows across the Mediterranean, ensuring the protection of the national interests of both countries. The meeting aimed to contribute to addressing the increasing security and humanitarian burdens imposed by this phenomenon on transit and destination countries, especially given current circumstances that require close coordination to confront human smuggling networks and organize dangerous migration voyages.
Lieut. General Saddam Haftar discusses migration and organised crime combat with Italian Interior Minister in Rome
In the context of following up on previous understandings and embodying them on the ground, both sides reviewed the outcomes of the first technical meeting of the Quartet Committee to combat illegal migration held last January. It was officially agreed to appoint permanent technical liaison officers within the joint operations room. These officers will be tasked with direct supervision of equipment and operational arrangements to ensure efficient information exchange and rapid field response, while overcoming technical obstacles that might hinder joint efforts in pursuing smugglers and securing the maritime and land borders of both countries.
Marshal Haftar receives an Italian delegation to discuss joint security and economic cooperation
The meeting also featured an extensive discussion on supporting the field readiness of the Libyan Coast Guard through technical and logistical support programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency of rescue and interception operations, as well as improving monitoring, surveillance, and technical maintenance systems to ensure continuous operation at sea. In a related context, both parties discussed the “voluntary return” path for migrants, where Dbeibeh emphasized that developing return centers requires genuine support and direct funding from Italy and the European Union, in coordination with relevant international organizations, to ensure adherence to humanitarian standards and human rights throughout the deportation and repatriation process of migrants to their countries of origin.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Libyan position, rejecting the transformation of Libya into a permanent settlement or home for migrants, explaining that the Libyan state bears burdens exceeding its economic and security capacities, at a time when the country needs stability and development. Dbeibeh called on destination countries and the international community to fulfill their financial and political pledges and adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses the roots of the phenomenon and does not rely solely on security measures. For his part, Piantedosi stressed that Italy places the partnership with Libya at the top of its strategic priorities, considering coordination with Tripoli a fundamental pillar for reducing death voyages across the Mediterranean and ensuring the region’s stability in the coming phase, with Rome committed to supporting Libya’s efforts in this regard.