• Mario Draghi in Libya.

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06 April 2021 This visit "is the demonstration of the importance of a historical link between the two countries, it is a unique moment for Libya, there is a government of national unity, which has recognized and has been legitimized by the Parliament, is proceeding to national reconciliation, the moment is unique to rebuild an ancient friendship and a closeness that has never known interruptions ".

This was stated by the Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, in Tripoli after his meeting with the Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Mohamed Dabaiba, recalling that "the Italian embassy was the only one to remain open during the long years of the conflict and we must give account and credit to the courage of the diplomats who remained ".

"The prerequisite - to rebuild - is that the ceasefire continues and is strictly observed, the safety of the sites is


 essential requirement ", underlines the Italian premier who recalls:" I was given important reassurance during our meeting ".



The Italian premier then added:" There is the will to bring cultural and economic exchange with Libya back to levels of 5-6-7-8 years ago.

And our conversation today assures me that we even want to go beyond that level: we want to make this partnership a guide for the future in the full sovereignty of Libya. "And announces that" Italy will increase scholarships for Libyan students. and the activity of the Italian Cultural Institute.

The projects are many.

There is a desire to start.

The mixed commissions in the financial field also for the recovery of historical and recent credit have been restarted.

There is a desire to do, there is a desire for the future and a desire to leave quickly ". 



On the issue of migrants, the Italian premier underlines that Italy expresses" satisfaction with what Libya is doing for rescues "at sea and at the same time" confirms help and support. "" The problem - he explains - is not only geopolitical but also humanitarian.

And from this point of view Italy is one of the few, perhaps the only country, which continues to keep the humanitarian corridors active ". Draghi recalled" that the immigration problem for Libya does not arise only on the coasts but also it also develops on the southern borders.

The European Union - he concluded - was entrusted with the task of helping the Libyan government there too. "  



Dabaiba:" Many common interests, EU immigration problem "


" We appreciate this visit, Draghi's first official visit to Tripoli.

We have a lot of interest in the collaboration between the two countries, Italy is one of the few countries that has maintained relations, keeping the embassies open.

There are many issues of common interest.

The agreement signed in 2008 with Libya is one of the most important issues especially for the international Libyan question ". This was stated by the Libyan neopremier Abdul Dabaiba, during the press conference. 



" Libya and Italy - he added - yes they have to face the common challenge of illegal immigration, not only Italy, but it is a European, Libyan, international problem that affects everyone.

For human trafficking and organized crime we must work together and find solutions through the friendship agreement signed between the two countries ". Dabaiba then expressed the hope" for an increase in collaboration in the electricity and energy sector, already provided for in the friendship agreement "." We have had contacts with Eni in this sense ", added the Libyan prime minister. Finally, the Libyan prime minister underlines:" The most important issue is the reactivation of the friendship agreement signed in 2008 for Libya, in all its aspects ".