Italy, Libya, Turkey and Qatar strengthen migration security framework

Italy hosted a new round of talks with Libya, Turkey and Qatar focused on migration and security coordination in the central Mediterranean, highlighting the growing role of a four-country mechanism aimed at addressing migration flows through Libya and strengthening regional cooperation.

The meeting, held in Rome on Tuesday, brought together senior diplomatic and security officials from the four countries to review ongoing technical coordination related to irregular migration, human trafficking networks and maritime security cooperation.

The discussions reflected Italy’s efforts to reinforce its role as a key diplomatic player on migration issues linked to Libya, while also pointing to a growing role for Turkey and Qatar alongside the Tripoli-based government on security matters tied to migration routes.

Migration from Libya remains one of the most politically and strategically sensitive issues for Italy and the wider European Union, with Rome continuing to strengthen coordination with Libya’s Government of National Unity led by Abdulhamid Dabaiba while also engaging regional actors with influence in the country.

According to the Libyan government, participants reviewed the work of technical committees established under the quadrilateral mechanism and examined ways to strengthen joint efforts against human trafficking and smuggling networks operating along routes linking the Sahel, Libya and the Mediterranean.

Libya described irregular migration as a “sovereign, security and humanitarian complex dossier,” according to a statement issued by the Government of National Unity.

The Libyan side called for what it described as a “real international partnership” aimed at strengthening Libyan state institutions, particularly the defense and interior ministries, while also supporting development projects in areas most affected by migration routes.

Officials also reiterated that “Libya is not a homeland for irregular migration and cannot become a migrant resettlement zone,” emphasizing voluntary return programmes, support for countries of origin and economic stabilization efforts as central elements of Tripoli’s approach.

The Libyan delegation also presented measures implemented in recent months, including strengthening the coast guard, operational support for security forces and plans to establish a joint operations centre under the quadrilateral framework.

Italian participants included Fabrizio Saggio, diplomatic adviser to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Palazzo Chigi’s national security adviser. Turkey was represented by Akif Cagatay Kilic, senior adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Qatar sent Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi.

The meeting also highlighted a broader convergence among countries supporting the Tripoli-based government on migration management and Mediterranean security.

For Italy, the framework provides an additional platform for coordination with Ankara and Doha on support for Libyan authorities while maintaining migration control as a central issue in Mediterranean diplomacy.

Questions remain over whether the proposed joint operations centre will move into an operational phase, whether technical and logistical support for Libyan security institutions will expand, and whether the quadrilateral mechanism will evolve into a standing framework for migration and security coordination across the Mediterranean.