African-European Conference on Migration Kicks Off in Benghazi with High-Level Official Presence Benghazi, Libya, 25 May 2024 - The African-European Conference on Migration kicked off today in the city of Benghazi with the participation of parliamentarians, government officials, and representatives of civil society organizations from both the African and European continents. The conference is being held under the theme "Sustainable Solutions for Migration" and aims to foster cooperative solutions to the migration challenges facing both continents. The opening ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation, including His Excellency the Prime Minister, Mr. Osama Hamad; His Excellency the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Musbah Duma; the Minister of Interior, Major General Issam Abuzriba; His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Abdulhadi Lahweej; the Minister of State for Illegal Migration Affairs, Mr. Fathi Al-Tubawi; the Minister of State for Women's Affairs, Ms. Intisar Aboud; the Head of the Internal Security Service, Lieutenant General Osama Al-Darsi; and the Head of the Cabinet Office, Mr. Mustafa Al-Masmari. The African Parliament is also participating in the conference in a large capacity, headed by its President, Mr. Fortune Zefanya Charumbira. In his opening speech, His Excellency the Prime Minister praised the steps taken by the General Command of the Armed Forces and the security services of the Ministry of Interior, through the security campaigns launched earlier in the east and south of the country. These campaigns have resulted in the liberation of thousands of migrants from the clutches of human trafficking and smuggling gangs, the arrest of many members of these gangs, and their referral to the judiciary. His Excellency stressed that sustainable solutions to migration issues must be adopted by countries of origin, transit, and destination or reception countries. He also called for the creation of development and development programs in countries of origin to help provide a safe and stable life for people to avoid the option of migration. He urged all parties not to interfere in the political and internal affairs of countries of origin in Africa. After the opening session, His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Abdulhadi Lahweej, chaired the first session of the conference, which reviewed regional and international policies and practices related to migration management. Speakers highlighted the implications of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum and reviewed some good practices in migration management. Before the start of this session, His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation welcomed the delegations participating in the conference, confirming in this context what the city of Benghazi is witnessing in terms of comprehensive urban development. He praised the efforts of the Libyan government, the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, and the Libyan House of Representatives in holding this conference. His Excellency reiterated the importance of the recommendations and visions that the conference will reach on the phenomenon of migration through direct dialogue between Mediterranean countries. He explained that cooperation, coordination, and the establishment of foundations for spatial development are the most effective way to achieve the goals and objectives that the conference is working to achieve.