A delegation from the Libyan Ministry of Interior, the Coast Guard, and the Border Guard participated in the fifth meeting of the Integrated Border Security Management project, in Rome.
The meeting discussed mechanisms for monitoring migration flows across the desert, and the Mediterranean. As well as providing the necessary support to Libya’s Coast Guard, while identifying the requirements for securing the land borders.
During the meeting, previous and upcoming activities were evaluated, along with the preparations planned for Libya in the coming period. The necessary training courses for those working at sea and in border security were also identified.
The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union, representatives of the European Commission, the IOM, and delegates from European countries supporting the project. Representatives from the Italian Ministries of Interior and Defense were also present.
Last month, Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi stated that the country has actively collaborated with Libya, Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, and Egypt in combating migrant smuggling.
He emphasised Italy’s commitment during a conference on countering human traffickers organized by the European Commission in Brussels.
Piantedosi highlighted Italy’s primary initiatives are directed toward Tunisia, the origin of over 60% of migrants arriving on Italian shores, and Libya. He expressed gratitude to his Libyan counterparts for their continuous cooperation.
The minister underscored that communication with Tunisian and Libyan authorities “allowed the reinvigoration of collaboration against human traffickers and irregular migration. Technical meetings facilitated targeted cooperation with the concerned countries, focusing on managing migration phenomena.”
He said that the “enhanced collaboration enables the swift implementation of operational initiatives by launching joint investigations between Italian and Tunisian anti-trafficking agencies.”
Piantedosi concluded that the “battle against traffickers can only be won through direct action on the borders, both on land and at sea, with stringent controls.”