Nicola Orlando, the European Union Ambassador to Libya, revealed his participation in a 2 coordination gathering recently hosted in the Italian capital, Rome. This meeting convened representatives from Libya, the European Union, and the naval Operation Irini.
Orlando clarified that the meeting’s agenda included exploring ways to develop Operation Irini’s effectiveness and maximise the benefits it could yield for Libya and the Libyan people, while considering the operational constraints imposed on the mission. He pointed to a particular focus on efforts to counter arms smuggling, in line with United Nations resolutions, alongside addressing oil trafficking and human smuggling.
The Ambassador also noted the discussion of several practical initiatives, encompassing aspects of training, equipment, and capacity building for Libyan maritime authorities. He concluded by confirming an agreement to continue this constructive cooperation, in anticipation of Operation Irini’s upcoming mandate extension.