Italy must regain its leading role in war-torn Libya after "losing ground" to other "international actors" earlier this year when the populist-rightwing government fell, foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said on Thursday.
"When a government is in crisis and politicians are focussed on the new one that must be formed, other international actors step in," Di Maio told reporters during a visit to Brindisi.
"Now Italy must take back its natural role," Di Maio said.
"It must do this by constantly maintaining its relations with the Libyan factions. Our diplomats and intelligence services were doing this excellently and I thank our ambassador (Giuseppe) Buccino," Di Maio went on.
"But we need a stronger political presence in Libya," he added.
Italy has extensive energy interests in Libya and is seeking to spearhead international diplomatic efforts to stabilise its oil-rich former colony.
