Dabaiba thanks the Italian Prime Minister for supporting the activation of the Friendship and Partnership Agreement with Libya

Tripoli, November 6, 2025 (LANA) – Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba of the Government of National Unity expressed his gratitude on Thursday to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her "sincere" support in activating the Friendship and Partnership Agreement between Libya and Italy.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony for the implementation of the Al-Aziziya-Ras Ajdir sub-section of the Emsaad-Ras Ajdir highway project, Dabaiba emphasized that the partnership between Libya and Italy is built on action, not words, and on mutual respect, not dwelling on the past. He expressed his aspiration to strengthen joint cooperation in development and infrastructure projects to serve the interests of both countries.

The Prime Minister noted that what is being celebrated today is not merely a construction project, but a sovereign and developmental step that restores Libya's standing in its regional and international environment. He affirmed that Libya is not simply opening a road today, but a new chapter in its history.

He explained that this day represents a pivotal national moment, in which Libya reclaims one of its rights and transforms long-awaited international commitments into tangible reality. He added that the project is being implemented with direct funding from the Italian government within the framework of the Friendship, Partnership, and Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries on August 30, 2008, which stipulated Italy's commitment to funding infrastructure projects worth five billion US dollars.

Dabaiba stated that this commitment had remained frozen for more than fifteen years, with successive governments failing to materialize. He added, "Today, from Tripoli, we announce its activation and realization for the benefit of the Libyan people, so that this road may stand as a testament to the will of the state when it unites around a comprehensive national goal."

He pointed out that the project, which begins with the Al-Aziziya-Ras Ajdir section, spanning 160 kilometers, constitutes the first phase of a road extending from Emsaad in the east to Ras Ajdir in the west, a distance of 1,750 kilometers. He emphasized that it is a vital artery connecting all of Libya's cities and a bridge for economic and social interaction, linking Libya to its Maghreb, African, and European neighbors.

The Friendship, Partnership, and Cooperation Agreement, signed on August 30, 2008, in Benghazi, provides the legal and political framework for normalizing relations between Libya and Italy after decades of tension stemming from Italy's colonial rule of Libya.

In the agreement, Italy expressed its regret for the suffering inflicted on the Libyan people and pledged to definitively close the chapter on the past and open a new one of equitable cooperation and mutual respect. This included funding infrastructure projects worth five billion dollars over 20 years, to be implemented by Italian companies in coordination with the Libyan side.

...(LANA)...