The conference stems from a need to give a regional boost to the international efforts aimed at stabilising Libya and converting the parties to the conflict from a situation of armed confrontation into one of talks and dialogue. The situation in the country worsened as from 13 July when the hostilities between the various militias led to the closure of Tripoli Airport and forced many foreigners and diplomatic missions to leave the country.
Due to its undeniable economic and security repercussions in the region, this crisis means that it is crucial for its neighbours, also affected by events in Libya, to step up their coordination.
In this regard, Spain has called this meeting with the aim of confirming its support for those aspiring to help the people of Libya in their political transition, stressing the leadership of the United Nations in the matter - through Bernardino León, its special envoy - in its endeavours to secure an immediate ceasefire and the launch of national dialogue, and forging agreement between the countries in the region in terms of the challenges facing Libya.
The conference will gather together the closest neighbours of Libya that are members of at least one of the following initiatives: the 5+5 Dialogue (Spain, France, Italy, Malta and Portugal; Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania and Tunisia), the Med 7 Group (Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Cyrus and Greece) and neighbouring countries of Libya (Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan and Tunisia). In terms of international organisations, those attending include the Arab League, the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean.
