On 11 June, EU Ambassador Nicola Orlando, under the patronage of Government of National Unity (GNU) Deputy Minister of Defence Abdussalam Zoubi, joined the Libyan Army’s 603 Brigade for the inauguration of the EU-funded Forward Operating Base at Wadi Bey. The base located at the gateway of the Fezzan is a key component of the joint east-west military effort to uphold the ceasefire agreement and combat terrorism and human smuggling, in operational coordination with the Libyan National Army (LNA). Orlando said that this project reflects the EU’s proud commitment to supporting Libya’s efforts to provide security in its vast and remote territory for the benefit of Libya and the wider region, in a spirit of cooperation, national unity and shared responsibility.
On 14 June, Orlando met with Minister of State for PM Affairs Muhammed Bin Ghalbon to discuss migration cooperation. Orlando reaffirmed the European Union’s ‘full respect for Libya’s sovereign right to manage migration in an effective, humane and orderly manner, in accordance with Libyan laws and international standards.’ He commended the GNU’s new mechanism for facilitating the return of migrants to their countries of origin in coordination with their embassies. He said the EU is stepping up its support to increase returns, assist the GNU’s humanitarian response, and enhance the management of Libya’s land and maritime borders.
Orlando added that the Forward Operating Base at Wadi Bey stands as a tangible demonstration of the EU’s commitment to supporting Libya’s military and law enforcement efforts to combat human smuggling along the main desert migration routes. Likewise, he said the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre planned by Operation IRINI in Benghazi will strengthen life-saving operations at sea and the fight against smuggling networks, while improving coordination across the country