Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh has called on Italy and the European Union to provide direct support to his government in addressing irregular migration, warning that Libya continues to shoulder a disproportionate security and humanitarian burden at a meeting held on Monday, January 19. The appeal was made during talks in Tripoli with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, which focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing coordination on shared challenges, according to an official government statement.
Dbeibeh reiterated Libya’s firm position against becoming a destination or long-term settlement point for migrants, urging stronger international backing for repatriation and voluntary return programmes to ease mounting pressure on Libyan cities and public services. Beyond migration, the discussions covered expanded cooperation in economic, service and energy sectors. The prime minister highlighted a planned $2.7 billion investment to expand the Misrata Free Zone port, led by international companies including MSC, a project expected to increase capacity, create jobs and generate substantial annual revenues.
On the energy front, Dbeibeh welcomed the commencement of deep-water exploration drilling in the Gulf of Sirte by Italy’s Eni, in partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation and BP. Both sides underscored the importance of sustained coordination to promote stability, development and cooperation across the Mediterranean region.
