Italy has expressed readiness to train Libyan police as part of efforts to curb illegal migration and combat human trafficking, amid a sharp rise in migrants arriving on Italian shores from Libya. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the proposal was discussed with Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah during recent talks in Misrata, highlighting cooperation on migration, security risks and regional instability.
Tajani revealed that Italy recorded 58,408 migrants arriving from Libya last year, a 38 percent increase from 42,279 in 2024, accounting for 88 percent of all sea arrivals to the country. He also cited conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa and Sudan as key drivers of migration flows.
The Italian minister stressed that stability in Libya is crucial to tackling migration and supporting economic activity, while noting continued cooperation between the two countries. The talks coincided with the signing of a strategic partnership agreement involving Libyan, Qatari, Italian and Swiss companies to expand the Misrata Free Zone Port terminal.
