Libya: Undersecretary of State Amendola in Tripoli to meet Libyan government representatives

Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Vincenzo Amendola, was in Tripoli in Libya today to meet the following representatives: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Taher Siyala; Minister of the Interior,  Al-Aref Saleh Khodja; Minister of Planning, Tahir Hadi  Jahmi; Minister of Defense, Colonel Al-Mahdi Ibrahim  Al-Barghathi; State Minister of the Government of National Accord, Mohammed  al Ammari; and President of the Presidential Council, Abdulrahman Swehli.Mr Amendola confirmed Italy’s support to Libya’s Presidential Council and Government of National Accord (GNA) at a time when forces loyal to the GNA are fighting to eradicate Daesh militants from their stronghold in Sirte, with the support of U.S. targeted airstrikes.”Italy firmly and without any reservation supports the legitimate Libyan institutions and stands by the people of Libya, who are fighting for the unity of their nation and the indivisibility of the country’s security and resources,” said Mr Amendola.Mr Amendola and his Libyan interlocutors discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and launching supporting initiatives that Italy intends to undertake, most importantly in the humanitarian sector and with health care services to the wounded in the fight against Daesh. Among the initiatives being developed are a rapid deployment field hospital, which his Libyan counterparts are urgently pressing for, and more common programmes, currently being designed, regarding the protection of Libya’s cultural and archaeological heritage.The talks also focused on the support Italy will be providing in terms of security and training of Libyan forces. In this respect, Mr Amendola confirmed Italy’s commitment to start targeted and timely initiatives.Undersecretary of State Amendola consulted with his Libyan counterparts on upcoming international events with a view to strengthen the support of their most important partners in order to consolidate the Presidential Council of the GNA, led by al Sarraj, and to bolster a full national reconciliation, including the critical sector of the Country’s security.