TRIPOLI, Nov. 20, (Xinhua/GNA) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday said that Italy supported the Libyan political dialogue programme with 450,000 Euros (526,000 dollars).
According to a statement released by the UNDP on Thursday, an agreement was signed during the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) held in Tunisia ending November 15, in which Italy provides an initial contribution euro 450,000 (about 526,000 dollars) to UNDP’s political dialogue programme.
The agreement, signed by Deputy General Director/Central Director for the Mediterranean and Middle East countries of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luca Gori, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Gerardo Noto, has raised the total fund from Italy to UNDP programmes to 14,500,000 Euros (about 17,000,000 dollars) destined to support stability, security and prosperity in Libya, said the statement.
“I strongly welcome Italy’s steadfast and longstanding support to the UN efforts in Libya,” said Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Stephanie Williams during the signing ceremony.
“The stabilisation of Libya is a strategic priority for Italy. Since the beginning of the crisis, we have been advocating that the only way to ensure Libya’s stability, unity and integrity was to pursue political dialogue,” said Gori.
“Italy is a key partner of the stabilization facility contributing to recover communities and benefit people affected by conflict all around the country.
We are looking forward to continue working together for peace and inclusive development in Libya,” said Noto.
Under the auspices of the United Nations, the LPDF took place in Tunis with participation of 75 Libyans representing the social and political spectrum of Libyan society, with the aim of discussing a political roadmap to achieve lasting peace.
GNA