The Ministry of Interior of the Libyan National Unity Government has announced the successful conclusion of a comprehensive training course for a select group of coastal security personnel in Italy. The course, held in collaboration with the Italian authorities, aimed to enhance the capabilities and expertise of Libyan security forces in the areas of communications, radar operation, and maritime navigation.
Under the bilateral agreements signed between the two governments, employees from the General Administration of Coastal Security underwent rigorous training sessions conducted in Italy. The program focused on equipping the participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively carry out their duties in safeguarding Libya’s coastal regions.
This significant milestone in the ongoing cooperation between Libya and Italy comes on the heels of a recent agreement signed by the Italian government to provide support to the Libyan Coast Guard. As part of the European “Seahorse” project, five naval vessels were allocated to bolster the capabilities of the Libyan Coast Guard in their vital mission of ensuring maritime security and combating illicit activities in Libyan waters.
The European Union’s Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy, Oliver Varhelyi, expressed his endorsement of the project, emphasizing its multifaceted benefits. With a budget of 57 million euros, the initiative not only aims to dismantle criminal networks but also prioritizes the protection of human rights and the preservation of lives. The project encompasses the delivery of patrol boats, financial provisions for maintenance and storage, training support for the Libyan Coast Guard, provision of essential equipment, and the establishment of a dedicated maritime rescue coordination center.