Summary:

On 24 April 2025, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar received a delegation from the Italian government headed by the Italian Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edmondo Cirelli, and the Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini. 

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While meeting with Haftar, the Italian delegation discussed the latest regional developments. This included exploring ways to enhance cooperation between Libya and Italy with a focus on security, migration, and economics. 

These discussions come after a March visit to Italy by Belgacem Haftar during which he met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. During that visit, the two leaders agreed on establishing specialized technical committees to implement projects in development and reconstruction, particularly in the health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, and air cargo sectors. 

Outlook: 

Italy is seeking to foster cooperation with the Haftars in eastern Libya despite its support of the Tripoli-based government as Rome is seeking assistance with irregular migration from both sides. This remains consistent with an Italian approach to Libya that has prioritized cooperation rather than competition between the two rival governments. 

Italy is also likely working to contain and counter Russia’s influence in the southern Mediterranean by building ties with the eastern government. As Russia has shifted resources and focus to eastern Libya, Italy may seek to pressure the Haftars to limit cooperation with Russia. 

These efforts will likely provide new business opportunities for Italian investors and development projects for the Italian government. The projects will help increase job opportunities and the availability of foreign currency in Libya at a time when the Libyan economy is struggling and in need of infusions of investment.  

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