The Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela, and his accompanying delegation, conducted a two-day visit to Libya last Tuesday (16 July) to hold bilateral meetings and participate in the Trans Mediterranean Migration Forum. Abela held meetings with his Libyan counterpart Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba as well as the Presidency Council head Mohamed al Menfi, which, the Maltese embassy in Tripoli reported, included discussions on bilateral cooperation in the fields of combating illegal migration, tackling organized crime, renewable energy and trade. Trans Mediterranean Migration ForumAt the Trans Mediterranean Migration Forum held Wednesday (17 July), which included participation from Libya’s neighbouring countries and from the EU, Malta’s Prime Minister remarked during a panel discussion that immigration needs to be part of a very important discussion on the strategic relations between Europe and countries in North Africa, such as Libya. Holistic approachHe insisted on the importance of having a holistic approach and an effective strategy that involves countries of origin and transit. While border management is an immediate priority to prevent human smuggling, long-term goals are also required to address the motives behind people’s attempt to take perilous journeys, he added.

Source: Libya Today July 19, 2024 14:27 UTC