On the first day of his visit to Libya, Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield held a meeting with the Libyan Minister for Home Affairs, Emad Al-Trabelsi, during which several topics of common interest were discussed, with particular emphasis on irregular immigration and security.
Minister Bedingfield said that Libya plays an important strategic role for Malta and for the whole of Europe, as it is a key country on the irregular migration route in the Mediterranean. Therefore, cooperation between the two countries is essential to address the challenges related to irregular migration and strengthen efforts against human trafficking networks.
Minister Bedingfield thanked Minister Al-Trabelsi for the cooperation being given to Malta, while emphasizing the importance of this collaboration continuing to be strengthened through continuous dialogue and concrete work between the two countries.
In this context, cooperation between Malta and Libya also includes other areas of security and training. Both countries have a common interest in strengthening the capacities of the competent authorities, including in the areas of law enforcement, maritime surveillance and rescue operations at sea.
During the visit, Minister Bedingfield will also have a meeting with the Libyan Prime Minister, with the aim of further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of security and irregular immigration.
As part of the work to further strengthen this collaboration, training courses are being planned for Libyan authorities in areas such as law enforcement, small boat handling, boat and engine maintenance, maritime operations and sea rescue coordination. The proposed programme has an indicative budget of €500,000.
The Ministry for Home Affairs and Security will continue to work to strengthen relations with other countries and promote cooperation that leads to concrete results in the field of security and in the fight against irregular immigration.
