Major General Mohammed Al-Marhani, Head of Libya’s Tripoli based Border Guard Agency, participated on 2 July in a high-level meeting held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with representatives from the European Union, the United Nations Mission, and several international organizations and bodies concerned with migration issues.
The Border Guard Agency reported that the meeting provided an important platform for exchanging views and experiences on mechanisms to address illegal immigration, enhance international cooperation in combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, and support the Libyan state's efforts to secure its borders. It also discussed voluntary return programmes for migrants.
During the meeting, the Head of the Border Guard Agency reviewed the agency's efforts in protecting and securing land borders and the results achieved in strengthening the border security system and reducing smuggling activities and transnational organized crime. He emphasized that these achievements were made possible thanks to the continuous support of the Minister of the Interior, which contributed to developing operational capabilities and raising the efficiency of the agency's personnel.
He also affirmed that the Border Guard continues to carry out its duties according to a comprehensive security strategy based on strengthening border control, coordinating with various security and military agencies, and expanding cooperation with international partners. This contributes to combating illegal immigration and organized crime and safeguarding Libyan national security.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Libyan delegation emphasized that Libya represents the first line of defence against the flow of illegal immigration towards Europe.
They stressed that strengthening the capabilities of security institutions, particularly the Border Guard and the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency, is a fundamental pillar for protecting borders, combating transnational organized crime, and consolidating international partnerships and cooperation to serve security and stability at both the regional and international levels.