Italy to strengthen cooperation with Libya, security as cornerstone

Italy Wednesday expressed willingness to boost cooperation with Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in many areas, primarily in security.

This came during talks Italian Defense minister Lorenzo Guerini held in Tripoli with GNA leader Fayez al-Sarraj.

A statement by the Italian defense ministry indicates that both countries agreed to collaborate in demining activities and to expand cooperation in medicine and military health within the Misurata hospital, The New Arab reports.

Italy will also build a new hospital center in Tripoli and train Libyan military officers and cadets.

According to Libya Observer, the two officials reiterated that any ceasefire agreement should ensure the aggressor, Khalifa Haftar, does not position his forces in locations that allow him to wage another war.

GNA-backed by Turkey has botched Haftar’s year-long push to overrun Tripoli. The military offensive backed by Russia, France, UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia has been pushed to Sirte where Haftar’s forces have relocated after they seized the city last year.

GNA and its main ally Turkey have refused to negotiate with Haftar, making return of the coastal city to the UN-backed government a precondition for talks.