Libya and Tunisia discuss smoother border transit

By Sami Zaptia.

London, 24 May 2021:

The Libyan Embassy in Tunis reported yesterday that its Security Attaché, Brigadier General Ibrahim Al Bouissi, discussed on Saturday with Tunisia’s Interior Ministry measures related to facilitating the passage of travellers between the two countries through land and air borders.

This matter has been an ongoing point of discussion between the two countries as they struggle to fulfil the need for smoother transit through borders for goods and citizens of both countries while ensuring security and control.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of opening up new routes to reduce congestion at the crossings, in addition to facilitating procedures for the movement of commercial goods between the two countries.

Al-Bouissi also stressed that the two sides dealt with the problem of the similarity of names that Libyan travellers are exposed to in Tunisia, and the agreement on the need to develop quick solutions to them.

Exchanging information about wanted and arrested persons in both countries, the issues of smuggling and their implications for both countries and finding security plans that would contribute to eradicating this phenomenon – were also discussed.

The bilateral discussions come in the framework of the push by both sides to improve bilateral trade and travel to improve the struggling economies post the respective Arab Spring revolutions and the Coronavirus pandemic.

It also comes on the back of high-level diplomatic visits in both directions by the two countries and the Libyan-Tunisian Economic Forum being held in Tripoli from 23-25 May.

Over 170 Tunisian entities and 1,200 participants arrive in Tripoli for the Libyan Tunisian Economic Forum | (libyaherald.com)

More than 150 Tunisian institutions confirmed for the 23-25 May Libyan Tunisian Economic Forum | (libyaherald.com)

Libya and Tunisia discuss further cooperation in health | (libyaherald.com)

The Libyan Tunisian Exhibition 23-25 May | (libyaherald.com)

Tunisia to increase fruit exports to Libya – which imports 70 percent of its production | (libyaherald.com)

Libyan-Tunisian cross land border trade back to its peak | (libyaherald.com)

Tunisian ambassador visits Misrata Chamber to strengthen economic cooperation | (libyaherald.com)

Tunisian ambassador affirms desire to operate lines to Misrata Maritime Terminal | (libyaherald.com)

Misrata Maritime Terminal preparing to launch cruise trips to Istanbul after Eid | (libyaherald.com)

Passenger and goods shipping line between Tunisian ports and Misrata are being considered | (libyaherald.com)

Libya and Tunisia reactivate Ras Ajdir unified customs window agreement to strengthen bilateral trade and flow of travellers | (libyaherald.com)

Libyan-Tunisia fund for Libyan reconstruction being considered: Libyan-Tunisian Businessmen Council | (libyaherald.com)

Tunisian President Kais Saied makes historic official visit to Libya | (libyaherald.com)

Investment, fishing, agriculture and construction identified as areas of increased Libyan-Tunisian cooperation at Sfax conference | (libyaherald.com)

Libya and Tunisia discuss cross border municipality bloc for better economic cooperation | (libyaherald.com)

Libya seeks Tunisian help in vocational training and workers in fishing, agriculture and health sectors | (libyaherald.com)

Passenger and vehicle traffic running smoothly at Libyan-Tunisian Ras Jedir land border | (libyaherald.com)

Libya-Tunisia border will not be closed under any circumstances: Tunisian PM Mechichi | (libyaherald.com)

Tunisia approves reopening of Libya land border to passengers | (libyaherald.com)

Libya-Tunisia agreement on unified health protocol to pave way for opening borders | (libyaherald.com)

Tunisia’s new ambassador to Libya hands in credentials | (libyaherald.com)