Bilateral Conventions
AGREEMENT ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND SETTLEMENT OF ISSUES ARISING FROM THE UN RESOLUTION OF 15.12.1950
By Law No. 843 of August 17, 1957, published in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic No. 237 of September 24, 1957, the President of the Republic was authorized to ratify the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and Settlement of Issues arising from the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly of December 15, 1950, entered into between the Italian Republic and the Kingdom of Libya on December 7, 1957. The Agreement was subsequently ratified and entered into force both nationally and internationally on the same date, December 7, 1957.
The Agreement falls within the framework of international relations following the decolonization of Libya and aims to regulate the legal and patrimonial consequences resulting from the end of Italian sovereignty over Libyan territory, in implementation of the aforementioned UN Resolution, which established Libya's independence as of January 1, 1952.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Parties committed, on the one hand, to settle all outstanding economic and patrimonial issues arising from the colonial period—including acquired rights and movable and immovable property owned by Italians in Libya—and, on the other hand, to promote structured forms of economic, cultural, technical, and scientific cooperation, in accordance with the principles of friendship, sovereign equality, and mutual respect.
The Agreement also provided mechanisms for resolving disputes that may arise during implementation, expressly referring to the principles of general international law. In particular, it included protection measures for Italian citizens still residing or operating in Libya at the time of independence, as well as the adoption of instruments for technical cooperation and development assistance, respecting Libya’s new international status as an independent State.
The Agreement has an indefinite duration and, to date, there has been no formal notice of termination by either of the two Contracting Parties. It still forms part of the legal framework governing bilateral relations between Italy and Libya, although some of its provisions have been superseded or supplemented by subsequent agreements, including the Treaty of Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation of August 30, 2008.
https://itra.esteri.it/Search/Allegati/44834
TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION
The Treaty of Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation between Italy and Libya, signed on March 2, 2009, and ratified by the Italian State with Law No. 7 of February 6, 2009, is a significant bilateral agreement that establishes a legal framework for relations between the two countries, fostering cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, cultural, and military sectors.
The treaty is of indefinite duration, but it may be amended or terminated by either Party in accordance with the procedures outlined in the treaty itself. It was officially published in the Italian Official Gazette No. 89 on April 17, 2009.
The treaty’s main goal is to establish a relationship of friendship and strategic partnership between the two States, based on principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and deep cooperation in numerous sectors, including security, justice, trade, energy, and culture. It aims not only to intensify economic exchanges but also to establish a stable political relationship allowing the two nations to jointly address regional and international challenges.
The treaty also includes specific provisions for joint energy development, strengthening relations in the oil and gas sector, and a commitment to carry out bilateral infrastructure projects.
Following the fall of the Libyan regime in 2011, the full implementation of the treaty faced challenges due to the political instability affecting Libya. Despite these difficulties, Italian and Libyan authorities maintained dialogue through separate bilateral agreements and within the broader framework of international relations. On several occasions, attempts have been made to relaunch cooperation, especially in the fields of energy and security.
With the consolidation of political stability in Libya in the following years—particularly after the formation of the Government of National Unity in 2021—efforts have resumed to renew dialogue between the two States.
https://itra.esteri.it/Search/Allegati/49182
EXCHANGE OF NOTES REGARDING THE LIBYAN COMMERCIAL OFFICE IN MILAN
The Exchange of Notes regarding the Libyan Commercial Office in Milan, signed on January 25, 1963, constitutes a bilateral intergovernmental agreement between Italy and Libya. It was intended to regulate the establishment and operation of a Libyan commercial office in Italy, specifically in the city of Milan. The agreement authorized the creation of a structure dedicated to promoting Libyan economic and commercial interests in Italy, and it defined the office’s operational procedures, privileges, and immunities.
The agreement fits within the framework of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with the objective of fostering the development of economic and commercial relations between Italy and Libya, and promoting Libyan interests in Italy. The Commercial Office was intended to function as a non-diplomatic entity with specific responsibilities such as assisting Libyan businesses, promoting bilateral trade, and supporting the economic activity of Libyan entrepreneurs.
Over the years, political circumstances tied to Libya’s internal situation and international relations between the two States have affected the office’s operations. Since 2011, following the interruption of diplomatic relations due to the political crisis in Libya, the Libyan commercial office in Milan has effectively ceased its activities. However, the 1963 Exchange of Notes has not been formally repealed and therefore remains legally in force, although its practical application has been significantly limited by changing political conditions.
https://itra.esteri.it/Search/Allegati/44835
AGREEMENT ON ECONOMIC, SCIENTIFICTREATY OF FRIENDSHIP, PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION
The Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Italy and Libya was signed on January 19, 1979, with the aim of promoting and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the economic, scientific, and technical fields.
The agreement’s main goal is to integrate the resources and expertise of the two countries, with particular focus on promoting initiatives in economic development, technological exchange, and scientific collaboration. Areas of action include, among others, applied scientific research, technological innovation, vocational training, and technical assistance.
The agreement has an initial duration of five years and is automatically renewable for additional five-year periods unless either party decides to terminate it with three months’ notice.
Recently, during the Italy-Libya Business Forum in Tripoli in 2024, new agreements were signed, including a Memorandum of Understanding on Development Cooperation, which aims to regulate the activities of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Libya, formalizing its presence in the country and facilitating collaboration with Libyan authorities. However, these new agreements have not replaced or modified the 1979 Agreement, which remains in force.
https://itra.esteri.it/Search/Allegati/44837
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COMMERCIAL MATTERS
The Memorandum of Understanding on Commercial Matters between Italy and Libya was signed on May 25, 1982, with the objective of strengthening commercial cooperation between the two countries. It fits within a broader context of cultural, technical, scientific, and economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on promoting trade and industrial exchanges.
The protocol commits both parties to facilitate commercial and industrial activities through bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as infrastructure construction, energy, trade, and industry. This agreement enables Italian and Libyan businesses to operate more easily in each other's markets, with mutual support in terms of supply and investment.
Furthermore, the protocol provides for the use of commercial facilitation mechanisms, such as the creation of official communication channels and the organization of joint trade fairs and commercial events, to promote production capabilities and products from both countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding entered into force on May 25, 1982, and, while it has no specified expiration date, it continues to apply and may be renewed or amended through further agreements or negotiations between the parties.
https://itra.esteri.it/Search/Allegati/44838
VARIOUS AGREEMENTS FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION
FIRST ITALY-LIBYA ECONOMIC FORUM (AGRIGENTO, JULY 2017)
In July 2017, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano and Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg organized the first Italy-Libya Economic Forum in Agrigento. The event involved representatives from both governments, financial institutions, and businesses, with the aim of exploring investment opportunities in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and finance. A joint declaration was signed to relaunch bilateral economic cooperation.
https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2017/07/primo-forum-economico-italo-libico/
,
BUSINESS FORUM ITALY-LIBYA 29 OTTOBRE 2024
AGREEMENT BETWEEN ICE AND THE LIBYAN EXPORT PROMOTION CENTER (LEPC)
As part of the mission of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister for Made in Italy Adolfo Urso to Tripoli, along with representatives of the Italian national system, ICE (the Italian Trade & Investment Agency) and the Libyan Export Promotion Center (LEPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and increasing trade between Italy and Libya.
Through the Memorandum, the signatories intend to organize joint promotional events, share best practices, and support training programs for managers and exporters, creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurship and economic development in both countries.
https://www.ice.it/it/sala-stampa/business-forum-italia-libia-agenzia-ice-e-lepc-centro-libico-la-promozione-delle
AGREEMENT BETWEEN SIMEST, LIBYAN FOREIGN BANK, AND THE ITALO-LIBYAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
This agreement aims to encourage bilateral investment and boost business competitiveness, supporting the technology transfer process. It also includes operations under SIMEST’s “Africa Measure”, a €200 million tool included in the national plan.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN UNIONCAMERE AND THE GENERAL UNION OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF LIBYA
This MoU is designed to strengthen economic and commercial ties by promoting business and investment opportunities, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.unioncamere.gov.it/sites/default/files/articoli/2024-10/28102024_com_Memorandum_Libia.doc&sa=D&source=apps-viewer-frontend&ust=1753954475402358&usg=AOvVaw0lylLWRaY5IPyb14IB710e&hl=it
AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH A “MADE IN ITALY” EXPO IN MISURATA AGREEMENT ON ACCESSION TO THE AFRICAN EXPORT-IMPORT BANK (AFREXIMBANK)
In 2020, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish the first Made in Italy Trade Fair in Misurata, with the aim of promoting Italian products in Libya and strengthening the presence of Italian businesses in the North African market. The agreement was signed by the Misurata Chamber of Commerce, Federitaly, Confimprese Italia, and Delta Center.