"We have great confidence in Italian diplomacy and in the new unified government of Libya, led by Prime Minister Abdel Hamid al Dabaiba. The visit of the Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, who chose Libya for his first mission abroad since taking office, confirms the strategic importance and the deep bonds of friendship that bind our two countries. Our presence in recent years, despite the circumstances that the Libyans have gone through, has never stopped and today we can say that our hopes have been well placed ". He has declared Sandro Fratini, President of ILBDA  Italian Libyan Business Development Association, who adds: "We were the first in 2017 to have a representative office in Tripoli, hand in hand with the reopening of our Embassy in January 2017. We are ready to support institutions and individuals who intend to have a positive role in the reconstruction ".

According to Fratini, former vice president of the Italian Tunisian Chamber of Commerce, Italian companies can and must play a central role in accompanying Libyans towards the construction of a modern and advanced state. "Obviously - explains the president of ILBDA- the ceasefire remains fundamental for any activity that we are about to undertake, but there are positive signs that we must grasp for the benefit of our entrepreneurship and business ". In Libya, a range of opportunities is opening up for many young people. Not only in the oil and energy sector, but also for those who work in the construction, trade, communication, technology, aviation, science, pharmaceutical, and catering sectors. "Libyans ask us for Italian materials and products, but they also need engineers and architects to complete architectural and infrastructure projects that have been stalled for years ”.  Fratini stressed.

There are important projects that are coming to life. The president of ILBDA confirms that the visit of President Draghi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi Di Maio, assumes an essential value for the defense and promotion of Italian interests in that country which, finally, is having a broader breath of peace, choosing the path of national reconciliation. "Premier Dabaiba will give life to a new season of cooperation and exchange with Italy, not only in terms of control of migratory flows as in the past - he added confidently, wishing - that the Libyan authorities work towards the payment of past debts to Italian companies, facilitating the return of those small and medium-sized enterprises, forced to leave the North African country due to the conflict ”.

The president of ILBDA, Sandro Fratini, expressed great recognition for the work of our diplomacy, which has remained alongside the Libyans even in the darkest moments of recent years. "As France, Greece and Malta reopen their diplomatic offices today, our Embassy continued to work silently, providing community services. Yesterday, ENAV, led by CEO Paolo Simioni, met in Tripoli the Libyan Transport Minister Mohamed Al-Shahubi and the head of the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority, Mustafa Benammar, to plan the main activities and support the creation of direct connections with Italy and Europe. We hope that the return of the Embassies in Libya will facilitate the movement of Libyans in Europe, putting an end to the prolonged isolation ”.

Fratini, welcoming the announcement of the reopening of the Italian Cultural Institute, is convinced that Libya and Italy can live together a bright future. "Libya is located one hour flight from Rome, we offer all our support to public and private entities in creating twinning and partnerships between our two countries ”. He added, recalling that on Monday Ambassador Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi met the new Minister of Health: “The idea of ​​carrying out twinning initiatives between large Italian and Libyan hospitals represents a great opportunity that must also be extended to the University and Research sector”.

Libya, Sandro Fratini (ILBDA): "Great confidence in Italian diplomacy and in the new government of Dabaiba, ready to participate in the reconstruction"