President Meloni meets with the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity

The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dabaiba, and his delegation of ministers at Palazzo Chigi today. The meeting was also attended by the Vice-Presidents of the Council of Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, and the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso. 

During the long and cordial meeting between the two leaders, President Meloni stressed that the stabilisation of Libya and of its political situation is a priority for Italy, for national security and for energy diversification.
Discussions focused, inter alia, on the economy, energy, infrastructure and the main areas of cooperation between Italy and Libya, which remains a strategic economic partner for Italy.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of holding presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya as soon as possible, also with the mediation of the United Nations and UN Special Representative Bathily. In this regard, Italy will continue working to ensure greater unity of intent among the international community in order to guarantee the success of the United Nations mediation. 

President Meloni also expressed her appreciation to Prime Minister Dabaiba for the efforts made by the Libyan authorities in sea rescue operations and in containing irregular departures. Nevertheless, the President of the Council of Ministers shared her concerns with the Libyan premier ahead of the summer season. From this point of view, President Meloni believes it is crucial to step up efforts to combat human trafficking. Italy remains determined to confirm its ongoing commitment to support the Libyan authorities, in managing migration flows and helping local communities through Migration Fund projects.

During the meeting, the long and solid cooperation between the two nations in the energy sector, with regard to both oil and gas, was also highlighted, which equally represents an important contribution to Libya’s stabilisation and growth. In fact, thanks to the Green Stream gas pipeline, Italy and Libya share a fundamental tool to support the process to diversify energy supply sources. In light of these prospects, an agreement was signed today between the CEO of Italian energy company ENI, Claudio Descalzi, and the Libyan NOC (National Oil Corporation) regarding joint initiatives to reduce emissions. 

During the meeting, a Declaration of Intent was also signed between Minister Piantedosi and his Libyan counterpart regarding the strengthening of security cooperation, and, in addition to the aforementioned agreement by ENI, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Sparkle (TIM Group) and the Libyan Postal and Telecommunications Authority in view of the construction of a submarine data cable. Lastly, an agreement was signed regarding the construction of urban waste water treatment plants in Libya by the company Termomeccanica based in La Spezia.