Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci met his Libyan counterpart, Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj, in Rome to review progress made since the Declaration of Intent signed in Tripoli in 2024 and outline the next steps in the partnership. The talks focused on healthcare workforce training, the development of human re Health approach
ROME — Italy and Libya are moving forward with their bilateral cooperation on healthcare, as the two countries seek to expand collaboration on medical training, food safety and veterinary health within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa.
Why it matters:The meeting signals continuity in Italy’s engagement with Libya beyond migration and energy.
- Rome frames healthcare cooperation as a strategic tool to support development, stability and long-term partnerships under the Mattei Plan for Africa.
- The initiative expands bilateral cooperation into sectors aimed at strengthening institutional capacity.
The big picture:The bilateral health agenda comes as Libya is undergoing a political process driven by a pragmatic approach and by the transactional outlook of the Trump administration, which is seeking to overcome years of political deadlock through an agreement between the country’s main eastern and western factions.
- While the process remains marked by significant challenges, these dynamics could create opportunities for Libya’s recovery and for the development of new forms of cooperation with international partners, including Italy.
Zoom in: One Health.According to the Italian government, cooperation is centered on:
- training healthcare professionals;
- strengthening human resources in the health sector;
- improving food and veterinary safety;
- promoting the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health.
The meeting also reaffirmed the two governments’ commitment to addressing shared global health challenges through closer cooperation.
The bottom line:The Rome meeting highlights Italy’s effort to broaden its partnership with Libya through sectoral cooperation, with healthcare presented as one of the pillars of a broader strategy aimed at supporting development and more sustainable bilateral ties.
(Photo: LinkedIn, Italy’s Health Ministry)
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