Rome hosted Monday the Libyan-Italian forum in the presence of the Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah and the Italian Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio as well as other officials.

According to AKI news agency, di Maio said Italy can today count on a new and united Libya, thanks to the great efforts of the Government of National Unity (GNU), represented by Prime Minister Dbeibah.

Di Maio said at the Libyan-Italian business forum that Italian companies can look to Libya with renewed confidence now, adding that Dbeibah’s presence in Rome “confers very high value on this meeting, which constitutes another part of the path for a relaunch of the partnership that Italy and Libya have undertaken in the days after the formation of the unified transitional authority”.

He explained that Italy had never abandoned Libya and the embassy always continued to operate, even in the most difficult moments, saying they are now involved in further strengthening the Italian institutional presence in Libya through the imminent reactivation of the consulate in Benghazi and the opening of an honorary consulate in Sebha – south Libya.

“Over the coming months, we will also strengthen our presence in Tripoli with a promotional desk for Italian companies and a cultural attaché at our embassy”. Di Maio further explained.

Dbeibah arrived in Rome Monday after visiting Algeria on Saturday and carrying bilateral relations’ discussions with the Algerian President, Abdelmajid Tebboune.

He said Italy and Libya “have always worked together” and “ENI is one of Libya’s biggest partners for oil”, adding that relations with Italy in the construction field are also “very strong and we are sorry that the level of trade has dropped.

“We are aiming to raise it. We must rebuild schools, hospitals, infrastructure. We want to return to producing 3-4 million barrels of oil per day and relaunch sectors of the economy. And you (Italy) are the best partner”. Dbeibah added.