Mediterranean and Middle East countries will meet in Rome on Sunday, July 23, to boost efforts to stem illegal migration flows, with Italy saying the aim is to help countries in Africa in order to reduce the impetus for migrants to reach Europe. “The conference aims to govern the migration phenomenon, combat human trafficking and promote economic development according to a new model of cooperation between states,” the statement said.
However, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh told the leaders of Europe and Southern Mediterranean in Rome that his government rejects any proposal to settle migrants in Libya. In his speech, Dbeibeh called for establishing “a balanced partnership with the European Union Commission” to address the migration crisis.
On a side note, Pakistan is in contact with Pakistani-origin detainees in Libya and was interacting with the United Nations for their medical check-ups and provision of medicines, the country’s Foreign Office spokeswoman told reporters.
