Libya–Italy: The “Highway of Peace” Project Begins
The contract for constructing sub-section 4.3 of the Emsaad–Ras Jedir coastal highway, known as the Highway of Peace, was signed today in Tripoli. The ceremony took place at Al-Khald Palace and included Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgio Silli, representatives of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), and the Italian company Todini Costruzioni Generali, which secured the contract.
Details of the Project
Sub-section 4.3 covers approximately 160 kilometers, linking Al-Aziziya to Ras Jedir, near the Tunisian border. This segment is part of the fourth section of Libya’s major coastal corridor, totaling 395 kilometers. Other parts of this corridor include the Misurata–Al Khoms (4.1) and Al Khoms–Zuwara (4.2) segments, which are still under negotiation.
Background and Importance
The Highway of Peace is tied to the 2008 Italy–Libya Treaty of Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation, in which Italy committed $5 billion for Libyan infrastructure investments.
Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgio Silli commented during his Tripoli visit, emphasizing that the project supports Libya’s stabilization and "revitalizes the 2008 Treaty, now viewed as a key diplomatic tool for Mediterranean dialogue."
Next Steps
The launch of work on sub-section 4.3 signals the start of the western phase of the Highway of Peace. Additionally, Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and an Emirati entity focused on supporting private sector investments have initiated a cooperation framework to advance the project.
Author’s summary: The start of construction on the Highway of Peace’s new segment underlines Italy’s commitment to Libya’s infrastructure and regional stability through the 2008 treaty framework.