Read Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that Libya is a victim of irregular migration due to the large numbers of migrants arriving from various countries.
Abela said, “Unless we support Libya with tangible actions and full backing, the problem will end up on the shores of the European Union. This is a message I have conveyed to the EU and brought back to you.”
He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU) , on Tuesday.
The Maltese Prime Minister added that his country would be a voice on behalf of Libya in discussions within the European Union. “Tomorrow, we will discuss how to manage migration flows,” he said, referring to the Migration Conference scheduled to take place in Tripoli.
“My idea is to invest in the countries that are sources of migration. I believe this is the best approach. We need to provide opportunities and invest in their countries so that people do not feel compelled to migrate elsewhere,” he concluded.
Libya is set to host an important migration forum on July 17 in Tripoli, following discussions between the Libyan Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs, Walid Al-Lafi, Maltese Ambassador to Libya, Charles Saliba, and Italian Deputy Ambassador, Riccardo Villa. This forum will bring together several African and European countries to address critical migration issues.
The GNU stated that the forum aims to establish a strategic framework for implementing developmental programs and projects in African countries of origin. The goal is to create job opportunities, promote regional development, and enhance technical capacities in these countries. By addressing the root causes of high migration rates, the forum seeks to secure international and regional support for these initiatives.
The United Nations has expressed strong support for the forum. Georgina Gagnon, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, praised the Government of National Unity for organizing the Mediterranean Migration Forum and recognized the significant efforts made by the Libyan government.
Gagnon presented a detailed report on the activities of the UN Humanitarian Mission in Libya to Minister Walid Al-Lafi. The report includes a comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in the country and the challenges faced by the mission in implementing its programs and projects.
