Meloni in Libya with Antonio Tajani and Matteo Piantedosi: focus on energy and immigration
“Italy wants to be a energy hub for the whole of Europe” and Libya, to carry out this project, “is a fundamental partner”. The premier Giorgia Melonion the occasion of his first mission to Tripoli, reiterates what he had the opportunity to underline in the week Algeria: Italy, with the right allies, has all the credentials to become a key hub in the Mediterranean.
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“There Libya is an economic partner for us absolutely strategic, our trade relations have continued to consolidate, as evidenced by the increase in trade volume of 180 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year and this positive trend is continuing in 2022 as well. Italy remains the first partner and first customer”, said the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, after meeting the Prime Minister of the Government of Libyan National Unity, Abdel Hamid Dbeibah.
Meloni in Libya: watch the video of the intervention
Meloni arrives in Tripoli with Piantedosi and Tajani for the state visit to Libya, the images #melons #tripoli pic.twitter.com/f0LpBR675p
— VISTA Agency (@VISTAAgency) January 28, 2023
“Obviously, explained the Italian prime minister, this means that Libya is a strategic market for our companies, it is valid for energy, it is valid in the field of infrastructures, where there are many initiatives and dossiers that we have opened. We want to carry on the commitments we have made“, such as highway construction, “is very important start as soon as possible the works on the international airport of Tripoli. Resuming direct flights between Italy and Libya is a fundamental condition for linking our countries” and therefore overcoming an impasse.
Today’s visit to Tripoli “by a high-level Italian delegation” led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi had “the culmination of the signing of the agreement between ENI and Noc for the supply of naval units”, underlined in turn the prime minister of the Libyan national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibahin press statements in Tripoli, claiming “the seriousness” of the commitment “to preserve the peace and the political process and prevent a return to war through support for the electoral process”.
Energy, from Eni historic agreement worth 8 billion dollars
But not just cooperation. An “historic” agreement was also signed in Libya in terms of energy between Eni and the leading national operator worth 8 billion. “Today’s agreement will make it possible to make important investments in the energy sector in Libya, contributing to the development and job creation in the country, and strengthening Eni’s position as the leading operator in Libya”, said the CEO of the Italian giant Claudio Descalzi.
“Eni has been present in Libya since 1959, I thank Claudio Descalzi for being here today. Eni has in fact contributed to an important part of Libyan history in recent years, of Libya’s economic development” and “today, thanks to the Green Stream gas pipeline, we also share a fundamental tool for promoting the process of diversification of energy supply sources and the Today’s signing of the agreement between Eni and Noc is a very important step, a historic step in the long and fruitful collaboration”.
“Obviously the agreement relaunches a series of initiatives for diversify energy sources, it is made above all to guarantee energy to Libyan citizens and guarantee greater flows towards Europe in a project that Italy is vigorously carrying forward: fare Italy an energy supply hub of the whole of Europe and give greater strategic importance to the role of our nation. Libya is a fundamental partner for this framework”.
Eni-Libya gas agreement: watch the video of the signing
Libya, Meloni: “From here over 50% of irregular migrants, let’s intensify our efforts”
In Meloni’s mission in Libya, space then for immigration file. “The fight against irregular immigration flows is an absolutely central dossier for us. Despite the efforts of the Libyan authorities as well, despite our efforts, the numbers of irregular immigration to Italy remain high, over 50 percent of people who come from Libya, we believe you should step up efforts to combat trafficking in human beingsclearly ensuring humane treatment for the people concerned,” she said.
“We remain determined to confirm our constant commitment to support the Libyan authorities in managing flows -added the Italian premier- and in assisting local communities. We believe that more can and should be done, obviously we are ready to do our part and we are discussing how to enhance the tools to combat illegal flows”.
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