Misrata: Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba of the Government of National Unity held discussions with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, focusing on enhancing cooperation between Libya and Italy, especially in economic and service sectors. The leaders also addressed the issue of irregular migration, which remains a significant challenge in the Mediterranean region.

According to Libyan News Agency, during the meeting in Misrata, the Prime Minister highlighted the robust relationship with the current Italian government and the necessity of leveraging this relationship to achieve sustainable outcomes. He urged Italy and the European Union to offer direct support to Libya in handling irregular migration, considering the considerable security and humanitarian challenges the country faces.

Dabaiba reiterated Libya’s stance against becoming a hub for illegal migration, underscoring the importance of supporting repatriation and return plans. This approach aims to equitably distribute responsibilities and ease the burden on Libyan cities and infrastructure.

In terms of economic collaboration, Dabaiba discussed progress on strategic partnerships, including an agreement signed in Misrata to develop and expand the port terminal in the free zone. The project, valued at $2.7 billion, involves international companies, notably MSC, and seeks to boost the terminal’s capacity to 4 million containers annually. It anticipates generating around $500 million in annual revenues and creating 8,400 direct and 62,000 indirect jobs.

Dabaiba emphasized the project’s reliance on direct foreign investment, ensuring its completion without straining the state budget, and reflecting the government’s dedication to attracting foreign investments for infrastructure development.

The meeting also covered ongoing cooperation in the energy sector, as reported by the government’s media office. Dabaiba praised Eni’s recent announcement, in collaboration with the National Oil Corporation, BP, and the Libyan Investment Authority, of initiating drilling operations for the first deep-water exploratory well in the Gulf of Sirte. The operation uses the advanced Italian drilling vessel Saipem 10000, targeting a final depth of nearly 4,500 meters.

The meeting concluded with both parties affirming the need for ongoing coordination and strengthening the Libyan-Italian partnership to promote stability and development, while addressing common challenges like irregular migration.