WT/MIN(22)/ST/ 129 
13 June 2022 
(22-4586) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MS LAMIA FATHI ABU SIDRA  
AMBASSADOR  AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE  
LIBYA 
(Speaking as an Observer)  
I would like to thank Her Excellency Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo -Iwela, Director General of the World Trade 
Organization for her valuable efforts in developing the work of the organization and her wise 
leadership in light of the exceptional circumstances that our world is going through today.  
 
We meet today in light of urgent and fateful challenges facing the world, foremost of whic h are the 
repercussions of the (COVID -19) pandemic, I take this occasion to commend the role of World Trade 
Organization in the global response to this epidemic, enhancing inclusiveness, economic recovery, 
and ability to withstand the factors of economic a nd social turmoil resulting out of it, foremost of 
which is ensuring fair access to vaccines and medical supplies especially in developing and least 
developed countries.  
 
While we note the importance of facing challenges by developing dynamic policies that  support 
innovation, long -term investment and inclusive growth, we stress the importance of the role played 
by the World Trade Organization in strengthening the multilateral trading system and creating an 
inclusive trading environment that serves developme nt and global economic growth.  
 
The State of Libya need more than ever to move forward in intensifying efforts for actual involvement 
in the World Trade Organization, our permanent mission here in Geneva, in cooperation with the 
WTO's Accessions department , is making distinguished efforts to prepare and equip the professional 
and technical aspects to complete our application for full membership.  
 
My country today calls for adopting the power of economy, investment and development to face 
challenges at natio nal, regional and international levels. In this regard, I should refer to the critical 
role that Libya can play in this framework in the way towards achieving political stability through 
steady steps with the  support of the international community. This es sential economic role is 
manifested in the geographical location of Libya and in many other elements of success that my 
country has been endowed, by which we could certainly play a vital part in achieving stability at 
regional and international levels.  
 
We call for adopting creative visions to implement major strategic projects, including huge 
infrastructure, modern airports, road networks, and encourage investment to reclaim Libya 's 
historical and natural position among nations as a link between deferent  parts of the world and pave 
the way towards a real global trade, building a better future full of hope and prosperity for our future 
generations, this is the real shared responsibility and required solidarity that benefits all, this is the 
real security a chieved by aspects of commercial and economic development.  
 
Within the framework of the issue of reforming the World Trade Organization, we realize that the 
differences between the members of the World Trade Organization on some core issues is a natural 
matter in a multilateral medium in which interests intertwine and intersect, but they certainly 
eventually converge under the umbrella of global partnership that brings us together towards 
achieving the ultimate goal; security, stability and human prosperity  for all of us.  
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  We also stress the importance of the role that the World Trade Organization plays today in achieving 
the global goals of the sustainable development plan, foremost of which is the principle of gender 
equality, economic empowerment, and ens uring recognition of rights.  
 
In conclusion, we stress the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of trade between 
the World Trade Organization and other international and regional organizations to deal with many 
phenomena that worries our societies, such as the phenomenon of irregular migration, which Libya 
suffers from as a transit country, by promoting development projects and investments in the 
countries exporting migration, to create job opportunities and secure a decent life for their citizens 
and avoid losing their youthful strength and exposing them to the great risks.  
 
At the end I thank you and wish you success in the work of this important conference.  
 
__________