A closed-door trilateral meeting was held in Istanbul on August 1, bringing together Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity.
The gathering was described by the Turkish presidency as a “Cooperation Summit” and included senior Turkish officials such as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın, and Presidential Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç.
Focus on Migration, Regional Stability, and Security
According to Italy’s Agenzia Nova, the leaders focused on strengthening collaboration in response to shared challenges, beginning with the management of migration flows. They reportedly agreed to move forward with technical-level discussions to identify concrete, joint actions within a clearly defined timeframe.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni outlined several potential initiatives to combat human trafficking networks, enhance deterrence of irregular migration, and support Libya in addressing the growing pressures of migration. She reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to Libya’s stability, unity, and sovereignty, and expressed continued support for a UN-backed political process leading to national elections under Libyan leadership.
Rome highlights strategic cooperation
A statement from the Italian government emphasized the importance of reinforcing trilateral cooperation in response to common challenges, particularly those of migration.
Meloni proposed leveraging the results of Italy’s ongoing collaboration with Turkey as a model for assisting Libya in managing migration issues more effectively.
She also reiterated Italy’s broader commitment to backing Libya’s political transition through inclusive, UN-supported efforts aimed at restoring governance and democratic order.
Türkiye, Italy and Libya hold Cooperation Summit in Istanbul https://t.co/QMw65n7Cvz pic.twitter.com/OWmEqSCHca
— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) August 1, 2025
Dbeibeh proposes an expanded regional role for Libya
Prime Minister Dbeibeh proposed revitalizing Libya’s regional influence by initiating a broader cooperation framework with Italy, Turkey, and Qatar. His proposed plan focuses on dismantling trafficking networks, disrupting militias, and promoting economic integration in the Mediterranean.
In terms of migration management, Dbeibeh suggested a potential four-way summit involving Libya, Turkey, Italy, and Qatar to coordinate joint initiatives in logistics, technical support, and humanitarian aid. This proposal also includes collaboration on repatriation efforts, intelligence sharing on irregular migration routes, and taking down transnational criminal organizations.
Dbeibeh emphasized that with the help of Turkish-supplied drones, Libya is better equipped to secure its territory and borders.
Additionally, Libya’s government announced that the delegations discussed opportunities for cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and maritime development. The talks focused on integrating Libya into key regional projects, including investments in port infrastructure, electricity grid expansion, and energy sector development involving oil and natural gas.
