Libya/Italy

Kadhafi makes first visit to Italy

Article published on the 2009-06-10 Latest update 2009-06-10 08:58 TU

Libyan President Moamer Kadhafi will be returning to Italy in July as head of the African Union
(Photo : Reuters)

Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi makes his first visit to Italy on Wednesday.

Italy is Libya’s former colonial ruler and the oil-rich north African country has become a major investor in the Italian economy.

During his three-day visit, Kadhafi will meet Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, President Giorgio Napolitano and both parliamentary speakers.

He is also expected to receive guests in his Bedouin-style tent, which will be set up in a park in the Roman villa he will be staying in.

In recent years, the Italian government has enlisted Kadhafi’s help in repatriating immigrants who try to reach Italy by sea. Last year Italy also agreed to pay Libya $5 billion (€3.5 billion) over the next 25 years as compensation for colonising the country from 1911 to 1947.

Kadhafi, who has been in power since 1969, will also attend next month’s G8 summit in Italy in his role as president of the African Union.