TRIPOLI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj on Monday met with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini in the capital Tripoli and discussed cooperation against illegal immigration and human trafficking.
Salvini reaffirmed Italy's support for the Libyan Government of National Accord, confirming that "Italy is willing to address all it is asked to address in order to achieve stability in Libya," according to a statement by the prime minister's office.
"The prime minister stressed the distinguished relations between Libya and Italy, praising the Italian efforts to help Libya overcome its current crisis," the statement said.
The two sides also agreed to focus on securing Libyan southern border by training Libyan forces.
Due to the insecurity and chaos that followed the 2011 uprising, Libya has become a departure point for migrants across the Mediterranean toward Italian shores.
Italy closed its ports earlier in June and refused to receive a ship belonging to an international organization that rescues migrants in the Mediterranean, with 600 migrants aboard.
Spain agreed to receive the 600 migrants, after intensive international contacts.
Italy's refusal to receive these migrants from Libya is the first of its kind, which observers consider an indication of Italy's likelihood to give up its international commitments on migrants.
