Libya–Italy: the “Highway of Peace” takes off

Libya–Italy: the “Highway of Peace” Takes Off

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 was first reported by Agenzia Nova.

Participants in the Signing

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgio Silli
Representatives of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU)
Italian company Todini Costruzioni Generali, awarded the contract

Details of Sub-Section 4.3

This segment stretches approximately 160 kilometers, linking Al-Aziziya to Ras Jedir at the Tunisian border.

Project Overview

Sub-section 4.3 is part of the fourth section of Libya’s major coastal corridor, which spans a total of 395 kilometers. Other parts include the Misurata–Al Khoms (4.1) and Al Khoms–Zuwara (4.2) segments, which are still under negotiation.

Significance of the Project

The Highway of Peace stems from the 2008 Italy–Libya Treaty of Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation, wherein Italy committed to investing $5 billion in Libyan infrastructure.

“Silli’s visit to Tripoli fits into Italy’s broader strategy to support Libya’s stabilization and to revitalize the 2008 Treaty, now viewed as a key diplomatic tool for Mediterranean dialogue.”

Next Steps

The launch of works on sub-section 4.3 marks the operational start of the western phase of the Highway of Peace. Additionally, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and an Emirati entity supporting private sector investments have initiated a cooperation framework.

Author's summary: The signing of the sub-section 4.3 contract marks the crucial start of the Highway of Peace in Libya, reinforcing Italy's diplomatic and economic ties with Libya through long-term infrastructure projects.

Decode39 — 2025-11-06