Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has welcomed the efforts made in the UN-led Libyan political process after announcing an agreement on legislative and presidential elections.

Conte emphasized during his meeting with the Presidential Council Head (PC) Fayez Al-Sarraj the importance of adhering to the deadline set for the elections in December 2021.

On Friday, Al-Sarraj and Conte agreed during talks in the Italian capital, Rome, to overcome obstacles to the return of Italian companies to resume their activities in Libya.

The talks also covered joint programs related to illegal immigration, according to a statement issued by the media office of the PC head.

The Italian Prime Minister affirmed Italy's interest to develop cooperative relations with Libya, and achieve the goal of security and stability throughout the region in coordination with its European allies and partners.

Meanwhile, al-Sarraj appreciated Italy's attitude in supporting the democratic path, and in this regard, he underscored that the Government of National Accord has harnessed all capabilities to enable the High Electoral Commission to complete the elections in the fullest and timely manner possible.

The PC head stressed that the success of the peace process largely depends on ending negative foreign interference in Libyan affairs.

On the level of bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to activate friendship and partnership agreements and to continue to hold the Joint Economic Committee meetings.

Al-Sarraj had arrived in Rome Friday afternoon on an unannounced visit to meet Italian officials as well as the Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Stephanie Williams, according to the Italian press.