Italy and Libya reactivate 2008 Friendship Treaty to curb migration flows

BY Libyan Express Jul 08, 2018 - 12:24 Updated: Jul 09, 2018 - 21:36

Mohamed Sayala (R), foreign minister of the UN-backed Libyan government, and Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi (Xinhua)

Libyan UN-backed Foreign Minister, Mohamed Sayala, on Saturday announced the activation of the 2008 Treaty on Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation signed between Libya and Italy in 2008.

Sayala made the announcement following a meeting with the Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi in the Libyan capital Tripoli.

“The Italian foreign minister’s visit today to Tripoli comes in light of the distinguished relations between the two countries and the exchange of visits,” Sayala said.

He pointed out that “the Italian minister discussed with Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj prospects for mutual cooperation and assistance in Libya’s security and stability.”

There are meetings about security coordination to curb illegal immigration and smugglers in southern Libya, Sayala said, denying reports about the establishment of Italian military bases in southern Libya.

The Treaty on Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation was signed during the rule of Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2008, under which Italy provided compensation investments to Libya for the colonization of Libya.

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