Italian Foreign Minister: Unity Government is positive turning point for Libya

The Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi di Maio, said they can today count on a new and united Libya, thanks to the great efforts of the Government of National Unity (GNU), represented by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah.

Dbeibah arrived in Rome Monday after visiting Algeria on Saturday and carrying bilateral relations’ discussions with the Algerian President, Abdelmajid Tebboune.

According to the Italian News Agency (ANSA), di Maio said at the Libyan-Italian business forum that Italian companies can look to Libya with renewed confidence now, adding that Dbeibah’s presence in Rome “confers very high value on this meeting, which constitutes another part of the path for a relaunch of the partnership that Italy and Libya have undertaken in the days after the formation of the unified transitional authority”.

Di Maio reiterated that the best Italian productive forces must be leading players in the relaunch of our industrial partnership and the reconstruction process of the country, beginning with the needs that our Libya friends consider priorities,” adding that he strongly wanted that the first official visit by Dabaiba to Italy would be enriched by a high-level economic segment. 

“We want to continue to put the best of our industrial skills at the service of Libyan civil society, especially in the crucial sectors of infrastructure, transport, and energy from renewable sources.

“Italy and Libya can also be close and strategic partners in sectors with high technological content, such as telecommunications and tele-medicine. At the same time, I believe that it is crucial for our businesses to be able to work in a framework that facilitates new investment, which requires also financial stabilization, in a climate of confidence for businesses and the necessary security conditions to operate in.” The Italian Foreign Minister added.

He explained that Italy had never abandoned Libya and the embassy always continued to operate, even in the most difficult moments, saying they are now involved in further strengthening the Italian institutional presence in Libya through the imminent reactivation of the consulate in Benghazi and the opening of an honorary consulate in Sebha – south Libya.

“Over the coming months, we will also strengthen our presence in Tripoli with a promotional desk for Italian companies and a cultural attaché at our embassy”. Di Maio further explained.

In the meantime, the Libyan Prime Minister said Italy and Libya “have always worked together” and “ENI is one of Libya’s biggest partners for oil”.

Dbeibah added that relations with Italy in the construction field are also “very strong and we are sorry that the level of trade has dropped.

“We are aiming to raise it. We must rebuild schools, hospitals, infrastructure. We want to return to producing 3-4 million barrels of oil per day and relaunch sectors of the economy. And you (Italy) are the best partner”. He added.

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