The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, received the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, in Tripoli as the latter came to participate in the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum (TMMF) that will kick off on Wednesday.
Dbeibah said in a joint press conference with the Maltese Prime Minister that he would sign an extension of the memorandum of understanding to combat illegal immigration with Malta after adding some provisions to it.
"Immigration is a historical problem and it requires different approaches and solutions. We do not chase these migrants in the desert and sea, nor settle them in transit countries. We want to think in a different way. We want to address the problem radically in African and the Sahel countries. They face a moral and ethical responsibility to develop solutions and provide a decent life for migrants. Those who want to send migrants on boats are deliberately killing them.” Dbeibah said.
He added that Malta is a strategic partner of Libya in various aspects, and Tuesday's meeting aims to strengthen relations, activate memoranda of understanding and cooperation between the two countries, as well as agree on a legal framework for them.
Dbeibah also stressed Libya's commitment to strengthening cooperation in the field of combating transnational organized crime, praising the electrical connection agreement signed between the two countries in June 2023. He pointed to the signing of another memorandum of understanding in the field of exchange and extradition of wanted convicts.
Abela said that Libya was a victim of the migration phenomenon, given the large numbers of migrants arriving from many countries. He added that unless they stand with Libya on this issue with concrete measures and full support, the problem will end on the shores of the European Union.
"This is a message that I presented to the European Union and conveyed from it to you,” he said, stressing that his country will be a “voice on behalf” of Libya during discussions in the European Union.
"Tomorrow, we will discuss how to manage migrant flows,” Abela said, referring to the activities of the migration TMMF scheduled to be held tomorrow in Tripoli.
"My idea is how to invest in those countries that are the source of immigration, and I believe that this is the best way and we must provide opportunities and invest in their countries so that they do not have to immigrate to other countries." Abela added.
