Tripoli: The capital, Tripoli, hosted a high-level international meeting on combating irregular migration, chaired by Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbaiba. The gathering saw the participation of key figures such as the acting Minister of Interior, Major General Imad Trabelsi, alongside the Interior Ministers of Italy and Malta, the Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, and the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration at the European Union Mission.
According to Libyan News Agency, the meeting focused on discussing illegal migration and strategies to coordinate regional and international efforts to combat this issue. The aim is to enhance security and humanitarian cooperation, ensure the respect for national sovereignty, protect human rights, and support stability in the region.
Dbaiba stated that he had authorized the Ministry of Interior to develop a comprehensive national security plan to address this challenge. The plan includes a campaign targeting criminal gangs and human smuggling networks, and emphasizes the need to limit the flow of migrants through Libyan territory while respecting national sovereignty.
He reiterated his appeal to the international community to provide necessary support to Libya in its quest for security and stability, reaffirming the Government of National Unity’s commitment to combating crime in all its forms.
Acting Minister of Interior, Major General Imad al-Trabelsi, outlined the Ministry’s comprehensive plan to tackle illegal immigration, emphasizing that Libya is significantly affected by this issue. The plan includes securing land borders, controlling desert areas, activating security checkpoints, monitoring urban centers, and strengthening coastal surveillance to prevent illegal movements.
The Minister stressed the importance of deporting all migrants who entered the country illegally and accelerating efforts to ensure the effectiveness of these procedures. He also highlighted the need for expanded cooperation with European Union countries to dismantle human smuggling networks, with oversight from specialized committees to ensure the plan’s success.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi expressed appreciation for Libya’s efforts to return illegal migrants to their countries and emphasized the importance of supporting Libyan authorities, particularly migrant shelters. He highlighted the significance of bilateral cooperation and announced Italy’s readiness to supply four rubber boats to the Libyan Coast Guard.
Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Yliveris, acknowledged the challenges Libya faces with illegal immigration, particularly given its internal circumstances. He expressed Greece’s willingness to support Libya and highlighted that the solution to migration issues involves cooperation and shared responsibility.
Maltese Interior Minister Byron Camilleri affirmed Malta’s commitment to addressing migration issues in partnership with Libya. He emphasized Malta’s willingness to collaborate with Libya to build a strong partnership yielding tangible results.
The meeting reviewed the Ministry of Interior’s plan to combat illegal immigration, which focuses on securing borders, cities, and coasts, implementing security campaigns against smuggling networks, deporting illegal migrants, and enhancing international cooperation to dismantle criminal gangs.