TRIPOLI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj on Thursday renewed demand for Britain to partially lift the international arms ban on Libya to combat illegal immigration and human traffickers.
Serraj made his remarks during a meeting with Penelope Mordaunt, Britain's International Development Secretary, in the Libyan capital Tripoli.
According to a statement issued by the prime minister's information office, the meeting discussed the latest political developments in Libya and mutual cooperation between the two countries, as well as illegal immigration.
"The prime minister reiterated the demand for Britain's support for the Libyan diplomatic efforts in the UN Security Council," the statement said.
Serraj rejected settlement of illegal immigrants in Libya, stressing that achieving stability in Libya is the solution for illegal immigration by hiring tens of thousands of immigrants as workers.
Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe due to insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Mordaunt stressed Britain's support for Serraj's government and willingness to assist Libyan development through effective economic partnership.
She also pointed out that British companies are willing to come to Libya and contribute in the areas of health, education, and human development investment.
