Federica Mogherini visiting Tripoli. Cooperation ++ with Libya

July 16, 2018 Leonor Hubaut

(B2) It was his first visit to Libya. In just a few hours, Saturday July 14, the head of European diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, multiplied the meetings: with the United Nations Special Representative, Ghassan Salamé, representatives of United Nations agencies (IOM, UNHCR, UNDP, UNICEF) but also beneficiaries of EU-funded projects. The message is clear : " nour support will continue even more in the months to come »

Federica Mogherini with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. (EEAS)

This visit, not announced in advance, for security reasons, comes a few hours before the foreign ministers are to look into Libya, Monday July 16 (read: On the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council (16 July 2018) (V3)). But also, and above all, a few days after the visit of the President of the European Parliament (also Italian), who in a way toasted the politeness of the High Representative by becoming one of the first leaders of the Union to go to instead (read: Tajani's trip to Tripoli: priority to elections and the fight against smugglers).

The European Union finally present in Tripoli

The head of European diplomacy took the opportunity to inaugurate the premises of the European delegation in the Libyan capital. " Our presence here will now be more regular “says Federica Mogherini, who did not fail to underline the importance of the country for the Union. " For the European Union, Libya is one of the closest neighbors and a friendly country. »

And return of the EUBAM Libya mission

These same premises are used by the European Border Assistance and Surveillance Mission (EUBAM Libya) which is returning to Libya after having been confined to Tunisia for a few years (see: The EUBAM Libya mission establishes itself in Tripoli on a more permanent basis).

Focus on border control...

Border control was also at the heart of the meeting between Federica Mogherini and the head of the government of national unity (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj. It was a question " of the EU training of the Libyan coastguards” thanks to Operation Sophia et "of cooperation through theEUBAM to help authorities manage land borders, particularly in the south ».

... the migration...

With all her interlocutors, Federica Mogherini welcomed the efforts to " assist and protect refugees, migrants and displaced persons in the country, saving lives at sea and helping thousands of people to voluntarily return to their country, while fighting against human trafficking ". She particularly pointed out le accomplished job by the Task Force established by the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations, which enabled the voluntary return of 20 irregular migrants from Libya to their country of origin ».

... but promises in many areas

In addition to immigration, several topics were covered, including " new initiatives in the health, education, media, youth, municipal support, governance and security sectors ». « We are Libya's leading partner for humanitarian aid and development cooperation. »

(Leonor Hubaut)