Libya reopens border crossing with Tunisia

Border crossings between Libya and Tunisia were reopened on Saturday after an 8-month closure due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Libyan sources.

The move which was taken by the Interior Ministry stands to benefit trade between the neighboring nations after it had been severely impacted by the closure earlier this year.

The awaited official reopening that came after a string of meetings between representatives from both nations was attended today by the Head of Nationality and Foreign affairs, the General Administration of Border Security, Director of Security at Ras Jedir Crossing, a number of officials at the Ministry of Interior and the Tunisian Consul.

Sources also stated that the Prime Minister, Hichem Mechichi, was present and accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Minister of Trade. Mechichi was seen taking a double-check of the COVID-19 safety protocols instated on the border before the reopening.

Travelers began crossing the borders mid-day Saturday as soon as the borders opened, many of them finally going home after being stranded when the closure commenced in March. Tunisian authorities stated that commercial flights will resume with Libya as of Nov. 16 after an 8-month suspension.