Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni has met with Tunisia’s president and prime minister in Tunis as part of an official two-day visit to the country.
Gentiloni and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed emphasized on the need for the two countries to ensure bilateral cooperation on Libya during a joint press briefing.
A political stalemate in Libya has divided the country into competing governments with two parliaments and an array of rival militias.
The North African country’s divisions have empowered hundreds of militias to become the real power on the ground where human trafficking, fuel smuggling and terrorists also thrive.
Libya first descended into chaos after the 2011 ouster and killing of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The ensuing chaos created a void in the country, which then gave militants and smugglers an ample time to conduct their trades.
Libya has since become the preferred departure point for migrants seeking to reach Europe.
Italy earlier this year sent troops to Libyan waters in attempts to curb the flow of migrants.
Now the country is seeking cooperation with Libya’s neighbours in efforts to ensure stability in the region.
Tunisian Prime Minister Chahed says close coordination between the two countries is key.
“There is a need to intensify efforts between the two countries to enhance security and stability in the region, especially in Libya, and to stress the importance of regular consultation and close coordination between the two countries,” he said.
