The head of the Libyan national unity government, Abdulhamid Al Dabaiba, went to Rome on Monday on an official visit, accompanied by seven ministers from his government. During the visit, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi once again raised the subject of migrants and said that Italy “will continue to do its part in terms of resources and training capacities, but determined and swift action from the ‘European Union is necessary’.

He said that on the basis of a proposal from Italy, migration will once again be “at the center of political attention at the European Council in June”.

Dabaiba thanked Italy and the EU “for all their efforts and the great support they have given us, as well as for the excellent work of the Italian Coast Guard”.

“The problem of migration is not solved only in the Mediterranean region but by going to the roots, from where migration starts, and it is not only a Libyan, Maltese or Italian problem but a shared problem”, a- he declared.

Italy’s financial assistance will continue

Draghi said that European action on migrants “will also be a way to structure support for Libya in its work to rebuild the country”.

“Italy intends to continue funding assisted voluntary repatriations and humanitarian evacuations from Libya,” he said.

And regarding the living conditions in this North African country, the Italian Prime Minister said that “it is a moral duty but also in the interest of Libya to ensure full respect for the rights of refugees and migrants “.

In a recap of the meeting, Draghi said migration and humanitarian issues are a priority for Italy as well as Libya. “We looked at the control of Libyan borders, including those in the south, the fight against human trafficking, aid to refugees, humanitarian corridors and the development of rural communities,” he said.

Lamorgese meets his Libyan counterpart, “the role of the EU is important”

Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese met her Libyan counterpart Khaled al-Tajani Mazen at Viminale, the Italian interior ministry. She told him that Italy is committed to supporting the government of Libyan national unity “in the difficult path of consolidating Libyan institutions, including in the area of ​​security”.

A statement issued by the Italian Interior Ministry indicates that in light of the meetings which took place in Tripoli on April 19, the two ministers “shared the need for a more effective management of the migration issue and reaffirmed the ‘importance of the EU’s growing role in partnership efforts with countries of origin and transit of migrants ”.

They also confirmed the need to ensure full respect for the human rights of migrants and in particular the rights of those most in need of international protection and those most vulnerable.

“The strategy shared with the European Union must consider among its priorities the fight against criminal organizations of migrant smugglers as well as the way in which efforts should be encouraged to improve cooperation between the two interior ministries, including in the field of security policies and the fight against terrorism, ”said Lamorgese.