Italy to support border security in Libya

Tripoli, Sep 29 (IANS) Italian Foreign Minister stressed his country's support to Libya`s border security and countering illegal immigration and human trafficking, during his visit in Tripoli on Thursday.

Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister, Fayez Serraj, met with Italian Foreign Minister, Angelino Alfano, in the capital Tripoli.

According to the Prime Minister's media office, the two officials also discussed other issues of mutual concern, such as solving the current political crisis in Libya, Xinhua reported.

"Cooperation between Italy and Libya is positive, not only on the issue of the management of migration flows. It will, in fact, contribute to gradually reinstating complete security conditions that will lead to social and economic development and the growth of your country," Alfano said.

Dozens of Libyan navy and coast guards members arrived in Italy recently to attend a training program to enhance the Libyan security against immigrant smuggling across the Mediterranean. The UN Support Mission in Libya said the programme will continue until November.

Libya is a transit country for thousands of migrants to reach southern shores of Italy through the Mediterranean Sea, given the insecurity and chaos in the north African nation.

The meeting takes place a few days after a UN-sponsored meeting of political factions representatives in Tunis to introduce amendments to the current political agreement, the first step of a road map proposed by Salame to end the country's political stalemate.

Alfano reiterated Italy's commitment to support efforts of the Special UN Representative to Libya, Ghassan Salame, and promoting dialogue between Libyan parties.

"Italy does not foresee any military solutions to the Libyan crisis. On the contrary, the anniversary of the signing of the Skhirat Agreement two years ago represents an opportunity to renew the collective commitment to a shared solution," Alfano said.