Italian Interior Minister Piantedosi Meets Haftar in Benghazi to Strengthen Security Ties
BENGHAZI, LIBYA – Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi met with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), in Benghazi on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Italy’s diplomatic engagement with Eastern Libyan authorities. The high-level meeting, which also included the head of Italy’s foreign intelligence service (AISE), General Giovanni Caravelli, focused on bolstering security cooperation and addressing irregular migration.
The visit to Benghazi followed Minister Piantedosi’s earlier meetings in Tripoli, where he held talks with officials from the Government of National Unity (GNU), including Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba and Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi. This dual-track itinerary underscores Rome’s strategy of “parallel engagement,” maintaining active diplomatic channels with rival power centers in both Western and Eastern Libya to ensure comprehensive stability across the Mediterranean region.
According to a statement from the LNA’s General Command, the discussions in Benghazi were centered on combating terrorism, dismantling human smuggling networks, and curbing illegal migration flows. Field Marshal Haftar expressed appreciation for Italy’s role in supporting regional stability and emphasized the depth of bilateral relations between the two nations. “We shared the need to continue strengthening our already positive collaboration,” Piantedosi stated following the meeting, highlighting the mutual interest in securing borders and fostering socio-economic development.
The presence of Intelligence Chief Giovanni Caravelli signaled the strategic importance of the talks, particularly regarding intelligence sharing on transnational criminal networks operating along Libya’s vast southern borders. These areas, largely under the influence of Haftar’s forces, are critical transit routes for migrants moving northward toward Europe. By engaging directly with Benghazi, Italy aims to secure cooperation on border control that complements its existing agreements with the Tripoli-based government.
This visit is seen as a diplomatic reset after a period of tension; in mid-2025, a European delegation including Italian officials was reportedly denied entry to Benghazi. The successful conclusion of this week’s mission suggests a renewed commitment from both Rome and Benghazi to pragmatic cooperation.
Analysts observe that Italy is increasingly viewing Libya as an integrated strategic space, where energy security and migration control require functional relationships with all key Libyan actors. As Rome prepares to implement new measures under the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, securing the cooperation of Eastern Libyan authorities remains a pivotal component of its broader Mediterranean policy.
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* aa.com.tr
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* decode39.com
