An exterior view of the Italian embassy in Tripoli February 15, 2015. Photo Credit: Reuters
Italy’s foreign ministry has confirmed on Monday that it is re-opening its embassy in Libya.
Reuters news agency reported that Italy’s decision to send its ambassador back to Libya makes it the first country from the West to reopen its mission in the country.
Foreign Minister of Italy, Angelino Alfano on Twitter said “The Italian ambassador is returning to Tripoli after two years. A great gesture of friendship to the Libyan people. Now more controls on migrant departures,”
Dopo due anni ritorna ambasciatore italiano a Tripoli. Grande gesto di amicizia verso popolo libico. Ora più controlli su partenze migranti.
— Angelino Alfano (@angealfa) January 9, 2017
The Italian embassy in Libya was closed in 2015 due to conflict in the North African country. The new ambassador would start work immediately after submitting his credentials to the local government on Tuesday.
Italy’s government and local government officials in Tripoli have agreed to cooperate in areas of security, anti-terrorism and tackling human trafficking.
Majority of Africans migrating to Europe through dangerous means use Libya as a route.
Source: Africafeeds.com
