Libya and Tunisia sign security agreement to reopen Ras Jedir border crossing

Libya and Tunisia signed a security agreement yesterday to pave the way for the reopening of the Ras Jedir border crossing.

The agreement was signed by the Tripoli based Libyan government’s Acting Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi and his Tunisian counterpart Khaled Nouri in Tripoli in the presence of Tripoli based Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba.

‎The three discussed the mechanism for reopening the Ras Jedir border crossing, facilitating the movement of trade between the two countries and discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Libya ‎‎and Tunisia.‎

‎The minutes of the security agreement included:

1. Opening the four joint gates at the port for the entry of citizens from the two countries conditional on them having scanners that operate 24 hours.
2. A commitment to open 6 centres for electronic registration of Libyan citizens’ cars including in the Arabic language.
3. Implementing a work process to reorganise bilateral trade specifically for travelling citizens according to operating regulations.
4. Not imposing any unagreed fees or fines by the two as per reciprocity.
5. Controlling the border crossing and the prevention of any armed manifestations.‎
6. Prevention of vehicles not roadworthy from crossing as per the two countries’ regulations.
7. Joint work and cooperation to prevent the smuggling of fuels and their derivatives and subsidised goods by both parties.
8. Solving the problem of similar names for citizens of the two countries.
9. Sharing of information by security agencies to prevent all types of crimes.
10. Empowering the joint committee to resolve any obstacles or problems preventing security work at the crossing.
11. Strengthening border guards by both parties and preventing the getting through of illegal migration and banned goods.

It will be recalled that the border crossing has been closed since 19 March after clashes between Tripoli forces and local forces. The clashes were seen as an attempt by locals to stop central Tripoli government taking control and preventing the smuggling of subsidised goods and human trafficking.

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Interior Minister oversees delivery of inspection scanning vehicles at Libyan-Tunisian land border crossing (libyaherald.com)

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