Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the Italy-Libya Business Forum in Tripoli on Tuesday, marking her fourth visit to Libya since assuming office. She emphasized the priority of Italy’s relationship with Libya, stressing that bilateral cooperation has yet to reach its full potential. Meloni highlighted joint efforts to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking, while also promoting economic growth to reduce migration pressures.
She praised Libya as a significant economic partner, noting that trade between the two countries had more than tripled from €2.6 billion to €9.1 billion between 2020 and 2023, with further growth in early 2024. Meloni also announced the January restart of direct flights between Tripoli and Rome by ITA Airways.
Libyan officials, including Minister of State Adel Jumaa and Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, acknowledged Italy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and anticipated the signing of new agreements at the forum.