By Sami Zaptia.
London, 2 June 2021:
Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, said in the joint press statement Monday held at the Chigi Palace, Rome with his Italian counterpart, Mario Draghi, that relations between the two countries have resumed with these diplomatic and ministerial mutual visits in such a short period, which reflects the strategic relations at all levels, based on a political will to advance it to broader horizons.
The Prime Minister stressed that these mutual visits embody the strong will for joint cooperation between the two countries, finding unified coordination mechanisms regarding common security challenges, and expanding the circle of participation in confronting the phenomenon of illegal immigration with all European countries as well as countries of origin and transit.
He also expressed his thanks to Italy and the European Union for their efforts to support Libya in confronting illegal immigration and supporting health cooperation.
Aldabaiba welcomed the opening of prospects for investment cooperation and trade exchange outside hydrocarbons in the field of renewable energy, marine and industrial wealth and reconstruction, stressing that Libya awaits great work in the field of reconstruction and development, and it welcomes all companies from friendly and brotherly countries to contribute to this matter. He expressed certainty that Italian companies will be one of the most important participants as these companies have experience working in Libya, and Libya will work to address any obstacles in this regard.
The Prime Minister added that the return to reviving economic activity between the two countries requires accelerating the opening of European airspace to and from Libya because of its importance in alleviating the suffering of patients and emergency medical cases, as well as reducing travel burdens and costs on students studying in Italian and European universities.
Aldabaiba also affirmed his government’s keenness to advance bilateral cooperation and resume work within the joint committees to follow up on the implementation of the terms of the Treaty of Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation concluded in 2008, given the pivotal and pioneering role of this agreement in promoting the concept of partnership and achieving development and stability in the Mediterranean and the whole region.
He also expressed the government’s readiness to sign an agreement to transfer prisoners which Libya’s Minister of Justice will discuss in detail and follow up on issues related to Libyan prisoners in Italy.
Draghi: Mercenaries and all foreign forces must leave Libya
For his part, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi expressed his happiness at receiving the Libyan Prime Minister and members of his government and explained that the two sides discussed many common issues and that his country stands by Libya at this complex stage.
He also stressed Italy’s position on the necessity of expelling mercenaries and all foreign forces, and reaching an institutional structure on constitutional bases to reach a national reconciliation process before the end of the year.
On the other hand, he talked about effective cooperation in the health field and pledged that Italy would provide all its expertise to support Libyan hospitals, and receive dozens of children with cancer.
Draghi also touched on cooperation in the field of energy, as Libya is a key partner in this field, and talked about the beginning of cooperation between the two countries in the field of renewable energy, as Italy has many companies ready to provide assistance.
The Italian Prime Minister also stated that the two sides discussed the issue of illegal immigration, combating human trafficking and developing local communities.
