Youssef Al-Agouri, head of the Libyan Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized the critical need for regional cooperation to address shared challenges during the 10th Mediterranean Forum in Rome.
The event brought together senior officials, policymakers, and researchers to discuss pressing issues, including migration, political instability, and climate change in the Mediterranean region.
Al-Agouri highlighted Libya’s active participation in international forums as a vital means to foster understanding and coordination with neighboring countries. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to address irregular migration, Middle Eastern conflicts, and climate-related challenges.
During the forum, Al-Agouri held key meetings with senior Italian officials, including the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Italian Senate, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other leading organizations such as the International Crisis Group and the Atlantic Council. These discussions focused on Libya’s priorities and strategies for strengthening regional cooperation.
Al-Agouri emphasized that Libya cannot manage the migration crisis alone and called for urgent international action, particularly from the European Union, to provide the necessary support. He highlighted Libya’s role in hosting Sudanese refugees and delivering essential services amid increasing pressures and called for global solidarity to address this humanitarian crisis.
The Libyan official also outlined progress made by the Libyan Parliament in passing crucial legislation for presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as a constitutional referendum. He noted that these efforts reflect Libya’s commitment to building a democratic framework and fostering political stability.
Al-Agouri further discussed the implementation of a Libya-Italy cooperation agreement for constructing a coastal highway, thanking the Italian government for its humanitarian support following the devastation caused by Storm Daniel. He encouraged Italian companies to invest in Libya’s reconstruction and infrastructure projects.
The issue of Libyan detainees in Italy, including athletes, was also addressed. Al-Agouri underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of Libyan citizens abroad and called for continued efforts to implement a prisoner exchange agreement. Italian officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Libya in this regard.
The forum concluded with remarks from Italian leaders, including President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who emphasized the importance of collective action to address political, economic, and environmental challenges across the Mediterranean.
Youssef Al-Agouri’s active participation at the Mediterranean Forum underscores Libya’s efforts to strengthen its regional partnerships and secure international support. His discussions reflected Libya’s priorities in addressing migration, political reform, and infrastructure development, while also emphasizing the need for shared solutions to achieve long-term stability in the region.
