The Italian navy chief, Admiral Valter Girardelli Admiral Valter Girardelli, reviewed with the Libyan counterpart, General Salim Erhouma, cooperation between the two sides.

The Italian chief and his accompanying delegation arrived on Monday and was received by several navy officials, according to a statement by the Libyan navy's media office issued on Wednesday.

The statement says the Libyan and Italian sides discussed the support that Italy can provide to Libya's naval force, the monitoring of the ongoing maintenance of Libya's boats and vessels, and giving a listening ear to the Libyan take on the illegal immigration issue.

"The officials also talked about preserving Libya's sovereignty in the water, citing the violations of Italian trawlers and fishing boats in the Libyan territorial waters. The two sides reached a common ground as to how to end such violations." The statement reads.

It indicated that the Italian Admiral checked the ongoing service work for Ibn Ouf vessel that has been under ongoing repairing work by Italy at the Tripoli Naval Base for months.

"The Italian delegation was given a ride to the nearest sea point outside Libyan waters where they were picked by an Italian frigate." The office said.