Italy is seeking to open a consulate in Benghazi and an honorary consulate in the southern region said Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.

Italian Nova news agency quoted Di Maio as saying that his visit to Libya with his French and German counterparts is telling evidence of European unity.

With regard to bilateral economic cooperation, Di Maio clarified that Rome is revitalizing a series of economic opportunities for Italian companies that were forced to leave Libya, stressing that they now have the opportunity to contribute to rebuilding the country.

"When diplomacy speaks and not weapons, Italy can return once again to play an essential role." the Italian top diplomat added.

He recalled the first meeting of the Berlin conference about a year ago, saying that no one at the time believed in the peace plan, while Italy was accused of playing an ambiguous role.