Tripoli: Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba of the Government of National Unity thanked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her support in activating the Friendship and Partnership Agreement between Libya and Italy.
According to Libyan News Agency, Dabaiba made these remarks during the signing ceremony for the Al-Aziziya-Ras Ajdir sub-section of the Emsaad-Ras Ajdir highway project. He emphasized that the partnership between Libya and Italy is based on action and mutual respect. Dabaiba expressed his aspiration to enhance joint cooperation in development and infrastructure projects to benefit both countries.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the event marks not just a construction project but a significant step in restoring Libya’s standing regionally and internationally. He affirmed that Libya is opening a new chapter in its history, reclaiming its rights, and turning long-awaited international commitments into reality.
Dabaiba explained that the project is funded by the Italian government under the Friendship, Partnership, and Cooperation Agreement signed on August 30, 2008. This agreement included Italy’s commitment to funding infrastructure projects worth five billion US dollars.
The Prime Minister noted that this commitment had remained inactive for over fifteen years. He announced the project’s activation from Tripoli, emphasizing its importance for the Libyan people. The Al-Aziziya-Ras Ajdir section, spanning 160 kilometers, is the first phase of a road extending 1,750 kilometers from Emsaad to Ras Ajdir. This road is seen as vital for connecting Libya’s cities and fostering economic and social interaction with its Maghreb, African, and European neighbors.
The Friendship, Partnership, and Cooperation Agreement provides a framework for normalizing Libya-Italy relations after historical tensions related to Italy’s colonial rule. Italy expressed regret for past suffering and pledged to fund infrastructure projects worth five billion dollars over 20 years, involving Italian companies in coordination with Libya.