Leaders of Turkey, Italy, Libya meet on migration issues

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a high-level meeting in Istanbul with the Prime Ministers of Italy and Libya’s UN-recognised government to discuss the Mediterranean migration route, which is heavily used by thousands of migrants trying to reach Europe from Libya, according to The New Arab via Reuters on August 2nd.

President Erdogan held talks with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, focusing on migration issues and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation among the three nations.

Erdogan emphasised the urgent need for Turkey, Italy, and Libya to work together to address the Mediterranean’s challenges, particularly irregular migration.

In the meeting, he continued to underline that “long-term and sustainable solutions” are essential to curb migration flows, emphasising the importance of multilateral cooperation to achieve meaningful progress.

The meeting also highlighted Libya’s central role in the issue. As a significant energy producer but politically fragmented nation, Libya serves as a primary departure point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

The importance of this issue is underscored by a shipwreck off eastern Libya in late July, which left at least 80 migrants dead and 50 missing, adding to the many lives lost amid growing criticism of migration policies by EU countries

This issue has grown more complex as countries including Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt have become increasingly involved in Libya’s ongoing political struggles. Turkey has recently deepened ties with Libya’s eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, with analysts describing the growing relationship as a strategic “love affair.

As a NATO member, Turkey supports Libya’s Tripoli-based government both politically and militarily. Since 2020, Turkey has deployed military personnel to assist and train this government.

Moreover, Turkey and Libya have signed a maritime boundary deal that has sparked disputes with Egypt and Greece. Turkey has also positioned itself as a key partner in Libya’s push for renewable energy, another pact opposed by Egypt and Greece.

Turkey and Italy maintain strong NATO ties and have committed to deepening cooperation in defence and trade. For example, Turkey is nearing an agreement to procure 40 jets from an Italian-led consortium.

Erdogan’s office confirmed that the three leaders will meet again to assess progress and decisions made by their joint cooperation committees.

The New Arab via Reuters, Maghrebi.org