The Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hwaij held a meeting with the French Ambassador to Libya, Mustafa Maharaj to discuss economic and trade cooperation.
The two sides discussed the difficulties facing French companies in resuming their work in Libya. In addition to setting up a mechanism to review and activate the agreements concluded between the two countries.
Al-Hwaij also urged the return of Air France flights in Libya. He encouraged businessmen to invest in the two countries, and activate the Libyan-French Businessmen Council. The two also discussed cooperation in the fields of infrastructure and communications, oil and gas, and medical services.
Many neighbouring countries have resumed flying with Libya, such as Tunisia and Egypt, but the EU, save for Malta, is still suspending direct flights.
The EU imposed a ban on all Libyan airlines in European airspace in 2014, over safety concerns. This was after violent clashes erupted in the Libyan capital, Tripoli between rival armed groups, which led to the destruction of Tripoli International Airport.
In January 2022, the European Commission renewed its ban on all airlines from Libya. According to the European Commission’s website, the decision was made due to safety and security concerns.
The European safety list of banned airlines included Afriqiyah Airways, Libyan Airlines, Buraq Air, Ghadames Air Transport, Global Aviation and Service Group, Air Libya, and Petro Air.
The seven Libyan airlines are among 115 companies around the world subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the EU. This is for failing to comply with international safety standards, according to the EU’s Civil aviation.
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