The Prime Minister of Libya's Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Dabaiba, called on the European Union to pay more attention to the phenomenon of illegal immigration, and not to rely only on African countries in dealing with this phenomenon, expressing his government's readiness to implement any joint program in this context that serves everyone.

Dabaiba added in his speech at the Community of Sahel-Saharan States conference in Tripoli, on Monday: "In the presence of (representatives) of the European Union and European countries... We want Europe to take care of migration issues, both in source and transit countries. We want more attention instead of you relying on us in the face of the phenomenon. There are young people dying every minute in the sea. Your potential is great and you must have a full role. We cooperate with many countries, especially Italy and Malta, and we are ready to implement any joint program that serves everyone. The problem is not in a specific country or one place, it is everyone's problem."

Dabaiba stressed that the establishment of this conference "is evidence of the recovery of the Libyan state to play its pivotal role in Africa with the Sahel and Sahara countries as the gateway to Africa overlooking Europe." Adding: "Libya's restoration of its diplomatic vitality and the stability of political life will not only affect it but the Sahel and Sahara countries that face security and political risks."

He pointed to efforts to restore Libya as a vital regional actor and a pivotal economic partner for the Sahel and Saharan countries: "The revitalization of diplomatic relations will open the door to real economic partnerships, especially in energy, which enhances energy security, in addition to increasing trade exchange, increasing foreign direct investment, and developing roads and transport networks between Sahel-Saharan countries."