Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated on Saturday that Italy will request more productive cooperation from the Libyan National Army Commander, Khalifa Haftar, to halt illegal immigration from eastern Libya.
During a press conference in Catania, Piantedosi, as reported by the Italian news agency “Nova,” added, “Currently, the communications are primarily aimed at supporting that part of Libya in terms of some economic development projects requested by General Haftar. We will certainly ask him for more productive cooperation in halting illegal immigration.”
He emphasized that it is premature to discuss reaching an agreement on this matter at present, as it is not on the agenda.
Italy has been facing significant challenges due to the influx of migrants and refugees arriving by sea, particularly from North Africa. Libya, located to the south of Italy across the Mediterranean Sea, has served as a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The ongoing conflict in Libya, with different factions vying for control, has contributed to the rise in illegal immigration and human trafficking in the region.
