The Italian government is considering providing Libyan authorities with patrol boats to help them stop illegal smuggling operations, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani said.
Tajani made the remarks during a meeting with his Libyan counterpart, Mohamed Sayala, in the capital Tripoli.
“We are considering the possibility of providing Libya with some patrol boats, because we know that the Libyan coastguard is facing difficulties in carrying out its work,” Tajani said.
He added that the Italian government is also ready to provide training and technical assistance to the Libyan coastguard.
Tajani added in televised statements reported by Italian news agency Aki, that he had discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Libyan Government of National Unity, Najla Al-Mangoush, the strengthening of the agreement regarding illegal immigrants. He stressed the need for Italy and Libya to work together to stem the flow of migrants, many of whom come from Libya.
Tajani stressed that Italy has always been ready to receive immigrants, but it must ensure the security of its borders, which are also the southern borders of the European Union. Tajani said that Italy has done a lot to help immigrants, but that it is now time for the rest of the European Union to step up and help shoulder the burden.
He said that the security of the European Union’s southern borders is a shared responsibility, and that all member states must do their part to help.
The issue of migration is one that is of great importance to Europe and the African continent. finding a solution to the issue is crucial to the future of both regions. That is why we put this issue on Europe’s table,” he added, stressing that the solution also lies in cooperation in the field of development and combating the impact of climate change, diseases, poverty, drought and terrorism in Africa, whose population will reach three billion people by 2050.
It is only through cooperation and working together that we will be able to find a solution that works for everyone. Only by working together can we hope to find a way to address the root causes of migration and help to create a better future for all.