Libya's Head of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, held talks with Maltese Interior Minister Glen Biddinfield on the issue of irregular migration and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
This came during Dbeibah's reception of Biddinfield and his accompanying delegation at his office in the capital, Tripoli, in the presence of Libyan Interior Minister Imad al-Abbari and Foreign Minister al-Tahir al-Ba'ur, according to a statement from the internationally recognized Government of National Unity on Wednesday, which did not specify the duration of the Maltese minister's visit.
Activating the Joint Committee
The meeting, according to the statement, addressed the file of irregular migration and enhancing bilateral cooperation between Libya and Malta. In this regard, "the two ministers reviewed the results of consultations between the two sides, which included activating the Libyan-Maltese Joint Committee, in addition to strengthening communication and coordination between competent authorities and expanding areas of security cooperation between the two countries," according to the statement.
Previous talks and agreements
On January 13, 2023, Libyan Interior Minister Imad al-Abbari received a high-level Maltese delegation, and talks were held on "how to activate the work of the joint security committee between the two countries." On June 1, 2020, Libya and Malta signed a memorandum of understanding valid for three years, stipulating the establishment of coordination centers in Tripoli and the Maltese capital, Valletta, to enhance ways to combat irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea.
Background of the crisis
Irregular migration trade is active in several areas of western Libya, led by groups exploiting the country's political division and security chaos. Irregular migration boats depart from these areas towards European shores, particularly Malta, which constantly complains about being forced to receive migrants arriving from Libya on its territory.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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