Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has commended Libya for its efforts in returning irregular migrants to their home countries, stressing the need to continue and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at a migration conference held in Tripoli on Tuesday, Piantedosi said Rome appreciates “the significant efforts made by Libya since last year to repatriate irregular migrants,” especially through the operation of migrant shelters.
He highlighted that “bilateral cooperation channels are very important and must be maintained,” announcing that Italy is ready to deliver four inflatable patrol boats to the Libyan Coast Guard as part of recent joint agreements on border management.
“We recognise the great work Libya is doing to curb or prevent irregular migration by sea,” Piantedosi added. “However, this year has seen a notable rise in the number of migrants reaching Europe via the Libyan route—particularly nationals from Bangladesh and Eritrea.”
He expressed confidence that the partnership with Libya would yield “practical solutions,” saying Italy’s strategic vision aims to reduce migrant flows not only across the Mediterranean but also overland.
The Tripoli conference brought together Libyan and European officials to address growing concerns over migration through North Africa. Libya remains one of the main departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe, many of whom face dire conditions in overcrowded detention centres.
Italian and EU support has increasingly focused on reinforcing Libyan border control capacity and improving conditions in migrant shelters—efforts that have drawn both praise and criticism from international human rights groups.
