On Tuesday, officials from the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) held talks with Italian Ambassador, Gianluca Alberini to discuss the implementation of the 2008 Friendship and Partnership Treaty.
During the meeting, the officials provided a visual presentation analyzing the treaty’s clauses, to ensure their execution with direct support from the Italian Embassy in Libya.
They showcased a part of the review, and analysis of the current status of the treaty’s clauses, although the Libyan government did not specify the nature of the clauses under review.
The meeting also addressed ongoing negotiations to monitor the implementation of the Amsaad-Ras Ajdir road project with Italian companies. This commences with the first sections of Amsaad-Al Marj, and the fourth section Misrata-Ras Ajdir.
In 2008, Libya signed a Friendship and Partnership Treaty with Italy, encompassing the maintenance of the Coastal Road across Libya.
The treaty also included Italy’s commitment to completing housing projects, and offering scholarships to Libyan students in Italian universities. As well as encouraging Italian companies to enter the Libyan market.
Earlier this month, the Minister of Economy, Mohamed Al-Hwaij discussed avenues of cooperation in the fields of economy and investment with Alberini. They also discussed mechanisms for networking between businessmen in both countries.
Al-Hwaij emphasised the importance of implementing the provisions of the 2008 Friendship Treaty, and resuming work on contracted infrastructure projects. Most notably the Coastal Road connecting Imseid and Ras Ajdir.
Al-Hwaij underscored the significance of joint cooperation, based on a long-term strategic vision. He added that Italy is one of Libya’s most important trading partners within the EU. He highlighted numerous promising opportunities for business and investment offered by the Libyan economy.
The Minister called on the Italian side to make the necessary arrangements for the convening of the Libyan-Italian Joint Committee. As well as to organise meetings involving the Libyan Ministry of Economy and its Italian counterpart, to develop a shared vision that outlines the framework for bilateral cooperation between economic and trade institutions.
Al-Hwaij commended the collaborative efforts between the two countries in telecommunications, electricity, and transportation. He also praised the resumption of direct flights between the two nations.
On his part, the Ambassador expressed the Italian government’s desire to enhance cooperation with Libya in areas of mutual interest, as well as the keenness of Italian companies to resume their work, and complete contracted projects. He added that the resumption of flights between the two countries would witness an increase in the number of weekly flights, to support bilateral relations.