Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah called for a sustainable development approach to address migration issues between Europe and Africa during his participation in the Italy-Africa summit in Rome on January 28-29.
In his speech at the summit, Dbeibah stressed the importance of developing partnerships with African countries, arguing that Africa is not just a land of rich resources and natural wealth. He also called for a departure from the security-focused approach to migration, saying that there are other ways to address the issue.
On the sidelines of the summit, Dbeibah held several meetings and discussions, including one with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders discussed ways to continue cooperation between Libya and Italy in economic areas, including oil and gas, trade, and investment.
Dbeibah and Meloni also reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Italy-Libya Friendship Treaty and expressed support for the efforts of the two countries’ committees to resume work on the treaty and implement projects that Rome has committed to in Libya.
In another meeting, Dbeibah discussed with Rwandan Foreign Minister and International Cooperation Vincent Biruta ways to boost economic cooperation, activate economic agreements between the two countries, and review Libyan investments in Rwanda.
Dbeibah also met with Chadian Foreign Minister Mahamat Saleh N’Diaye to discuss cooperation between Libya and Chad, the situation in Sudan and Niger, and the status of Libyan investments in Chad.
Dbeibah also met with European Council President Charles Michel to discuss ways to launch a strategic Libyan-European dialogue on migration issues, as well as mechanisms for cooperation between Libya and Europe in the field of clean energy.
In addition, Dbeibah held talks with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Operations Chief Ruud Lubbers to discuss the issue of irregular migration and the related refugee issue. The two agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between the UNHCR and Libyan institutions in this area.
Dbeibah also held side meetings with a number of African leaders, including Tunisian President Kais Saied.
