Libya has outlined plans to leverage its strategic location and transport infrastructure to support intercontinental routes linking Africa and Europe.
Deputy Minister of Transport Wissam Al-Idrissi said the country’s position between Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe could make it an important hub for regional and international connectivity, particularly through maritime transport.
He made the remarks during the 12th session of the Inland Transport Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission in Geneva. Al-Idrissi attended the meeting with a Libyan delegation following an invitation conveyed through the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva.
He described the committee as an important platform through which Maghreb countries could strengthen connections between regional transport corridors, including trans-Saharan routes and the North African corridor, and link them with European networks.
The Deputy Minister also called for stronger and more diversified international transport systems amid disruptions to global trade and supply chains along several maritime corridors.
According to him, Libya’s ports, road network and potential transport connections with neighbouring African countries could support the establishment of multimodal corridors connecting Europe, North Africa, the Sahel and the Middle East. Al-Idrissi urged the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to give greater attention to North Africa and the Mediterranean in its future programmes.
He also advocated deeper cooperation on transport corridors, digitalisation, simplified border-crossing procedures and improved connections between seaports and inland transport networks.
Al-Idrissi reaffirmed Libya’s readiness to support practical projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and strengthening the ability of international supply chains to withstand future crises.
