VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield met Libyan Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi during a visit to Libya to discuss irregular migration, security and bilateral cooperation.

The meeting took place on the first day of Bedingfield’s visit, with the minister highlighting Libya’s strategic importance to Malta and Europe as a key country along the Mediterranean migration route.

Bedingfield stressed the need for continued cooperation to tackle irregular migration and combat human trafficking networks. He also thanked Al-Trabelsi for the cooperation extended to Malta and called for further collaboration through ongoing dialogue and practical action.

Cooperation between Malta and Libya also covers law enforcement, maritime surveillance and sea rescue operations, with both countries seeking to strengthen the capabilities of their respective authorities.

During the visit, Bedingfield is also scheduled to meet the Libyan prime minister to discuss bilateral relations, particularly security and irregular migration.

A training programme for Libyan authorities is also being planned, with an indicative budget of €500,000.

The programme is expected to cover law enforcement, small boat handling, boat and engine maintenance, maritime operations and the coordination of sea rescue operations.

In a statement, the Ministry for Home Affairs and Security said it would continue working to strengthen relations with other countries and promote cooperation aimed at delivering concrete results in security and efforts to combat irregular migration.

-Photo Ministry of the Interior-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews