WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Libya has been in a state of turmoil since early 2011 after the Arab Spring protests led to a civil war and the overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. The internationally-recognized government is fighting numerous militias, including offshoots of the Islamic State jihadist group, which has become increasingly active in the country amid the hostilities.
“The two leaders [Carter, Pinotti] discussed the importance of their nations' close cooperation in bringing stability to Libya,” the release read on Wednesday.
Carter also thanked Pinotti for Italy’s leadership as an ally in Afghanistan, the Balkans and Iraq, as well as contributions to air policing efforts in the Baltics, according to the US Department of Defense.
“Secretary Carter also thanked Minister Pinotti for Italy's role in securing Europe's southern flank,” it added.
