Libya urges international support for its border security

Libyan Minister of Interior Imad Trabelsi has urged international support to help Libya secure its land and sea borders.

Trabelsi's call came during his address before a ministerial conference on human trafficking that was held at the European Commission in Brussels on Tuesday.

The minister emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation in combating criminal gangs, exchanging information, and enhancing national capabilities to confront the immigration issue.

He confirmed that Libya, like other countries, is facing organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and money laundering.

"Libya cannot bear the burdens of illegal immigration alone due to the lack of capabilities that enable it to deal with the phenomenon, especially with the absence of initiatives to support the Libyan security institutions specialized in securing the borders and repelling the flows of illegal immigrants," Trabelsi said.

In his speech, Trabelsi highlighted Libya's efforts in combating illegal immigration and human trafficking circles, stressing the need to review the economic and social conditions of the source countries, establish development and agricultural projects, develop water sources, build roads linking the African countries, and support projects in border areas.

The Ministry of Interior said that Trabelsi’s participation came in response to the invitation of the European Commission. According to the ministry, Trabelsi visited the Libyan mission HQ at the EU.

The event saw the participation of EU member states, the European Parliament, partner countries from exporting and transit countries, and international organizations concerned with migration.