The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, accompanied by the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, went to Tripoli to participate in the Italian-Libyan Business Forum, the first to take place in Libya after over ten years. This was reported in a note from Palazzo Chigi. The event, which saw a particularly qualified participation of representatives of the Italian and Libyan business world, was structured into four sectoral tables dedicated to energy, fishing and agro-industry, healthcare and pharmaceuticals and infrastructure and design, as well as a session dedicated to illustration of the forms of public support for Italian companies that intend to engage in Libya by Ice, Sace and Simest. During his opening speech, the Prime Minister announced the resumption of direct flights with Libya by the Ita Airways company, starting from next January, demonstrating the progressive and constant strengthening of cooperation between the two nations.
“This is my fourth visit to Libya since I took over the leadership of the government. This frequency of mutual visits is the result of a very precise political choice by our government: we consider the relationship with Libya a priority for Italy and a priorities for Europe. And we are convinced that the deep cooperation that binds us has not yet expressed its full potential”, stated the prime minister. On the sidelines of the Business Forum, Meloni also had a bilateral meeting with the prime minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Mohamed Dabaiba. The discussion focused on the different areas of ever-growing cooperation.
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Among the sectors of Italian-Libyan collaboration, the two leaders addressed the issue of managing migratory phenomena. The Prime Minister underlined the need to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking and, at the same time, to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit within the framework of the Rome Process and the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum of Tripoli last July. At the end of the meeting, there was also a unanimous desire to collaborate with the aim of creating egalitarian partnerships with African nations within the framework of the concrete projects launched by the Mattei Plan for Africa.
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**Interview with Dr. Claudia Ricci, Expert on Italian-Libyan Relations**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Ricci. Thank you for joining us today. As we know, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently attended the Italian-Libyan Business Forum in Tripoli. Can you give us an overview of the significance of this event?
**Dr. Ricci:** Good afternoon. The Italian-Libyan Business Forum is indeed a landmark event, marking the first of its kind in Libya in over a decade. This gathering underscores the renewed commitment Italy has towards strengthening its economic ties with Libya. Given the historical links between the two nations, the forum is a significant step towards unlocking the potential for cooperation in various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
**Editor:** The Prime Minister mentioned the resumption of direct flights between Italy and Libya. What impact do you think this will have on the relationship between the two countries?
**Dr. Ricci:** Resuming direct flights is crucial for fostering stronger people-to-people connections and facilitating business exchanges. It reflects a commitment to not only enhancing trade but also encouraging tourism and cultural exchanges, which have been limited due to past conflicts. This move can boost mutual trust and create a more favorable environment for Italian businesses in Libya.
**Editor:** Prime Minister Meloni emphasized that cooperation with Libya is a priority for Italy and Europe. What opportunities do you think this presents for both countries?
**Dr. Ricci:** There are numerous opportunities on the table. For Libya, partnering with Italy can lead to much-needed investment in infrastructure and public services, which are vital for the country’s recovery and development. For Italy, it opens doors to lucrative projects in energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Moreover, a stable Libya can enhance regional security, which is beneficial for Europe as a whole.
**Editor:** Lastly, can you discuss the broader implications of this growing partnership for European politics and economics?
**Dr. Ricci:** Absolutely. A strengthened Libya is important not just for Italy but for the entirety of Europe, especially given the ongoing migration challenges and regional instability. By investing in Libya’s development, Europe can address the root causes of migration and foster stability in the Mediterranean. Economically, it allows European businesses to tap into new markets, boosting growth and creating jobs domestically. This partnership could reshape Europe’s approach to foreign policy in North Africa.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ricci, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this relationship evolves in the coming months.
**Dr. Ricci:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to witnessing the developments as well.
