TRIPOLI, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj on Thursday called on the European Union (EU) to support Libyan education and healthcare.
Serraj made his remarks during a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Libya Alan Bugeja in the capital Tripoli, according to a statement issued by his information office.
"The prime minister stressed importance of activating the agreed cooperation and contribution of the European Union in supporting healthcare and education sectors in particular. He expressed hope for an effective partnership between Libya and the European Union," the statement said.
Years of armed conflict and political uncertainty negatively affected Libya's economy, healthcare, and education.
The two officials also agreed to develop a comprehensive solution for illegal immigration, rather than a temporary solution, the statement added.
Due to the state of insecurity and chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya has become a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean toward Europe.
