The signing ceremony for the implementation of the Al-Aziziya – Ras Ajdir sub-section of the Emsaid – Ras Ajdir highway project took place at the old King’s Palace in Tripoli today.
The Tripoli based Libyan government described it as ‘‘one of the largest strategic infrastructure projects in Libya’’.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister representing the Italian government, the Tripoli Minister of Transportation, the management of the Emsaid-Ras Ajdir Highway Authority, officials from the Italian implementing company, Todini, and several heads of executive bodies and the joint technical delegation from both countries.
During his speech at the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that this day marks a pivotal national moment, as Libya reclaims one of its rights and transforms long-awaited international commitments into tangible reality. He noted that the project is being implemented with direct funding from the Italian government within the framework of the Friendship, Partnership, and Cooperation Agreement signed between Libya and Italy on 30 August 2008, which stipulated Italy’s commitment to funding infrastructure projects worth five billion US dollars.
Aldabaiba explained that this commitment had remained frozen for over fifteen years, with successive governments failing to implement it on the ground. He added that today, from Tripoli, he is announcing its activation and restoration for the benefit of the Libyan people, so that the road will stand as a testament to the will of the state when it unites around a comprehensive national goal.
The Prime Minister clarified that the project, which begins with the Al-Aziziya-Ras Ajdir section, spanning 160 kilometres, constitutes the first phase of a road extending from Libya’s eastern border with Egypt, Emsaid, to Libya’s border with Tunisia in the west, Ras Ajdir – a distance of 1,750 kilometres.
He added that it represents a vital artery connecting all of Libya’s cities and a bridge of economic and social communication linking Libya to its Maghreb, African, and European neighbours.
Aldabaiba expressed his gratitude to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her sincere support in activating the agreement, emphasizing that the partnership between Libya and Italy is built on action, not words, and on mutual respect, not dwelling on the past.
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by saying that what we are celebrating today is not merely a construction project, but a sovereign and developmental step that restores Libya’s standing in its regional and international environment. Libya today is not opening a road but rather opening a new phase in its history.
