Libya's worsening security situation was at the centre of talks on Friday in Rome between Italy's premier Giuseppe Conte and United Nations special envoy to the war-torn country, Ghassan Salame, Conte's office said in a statement.
"The meeting offered an opportunity for an in-depth exchange of views on the ongoing military escalation and prospects for stabilising Libya," said the statement.
"Given growing concern over the deterioration of the situation on the ground, the prime minister underlined Italy's strong support for the political process under the auspices of the United Nations as the only sustainable solution, also given the (upcoming international peace) conference in Berlin," the statement went on.
Libya was an Italian colony from 1911-1943 and Italy has extensive energy interests in the country. It is also the main departure point for boat migrants heading to Europe, most of whom land in Italy.