On Thursday, the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba held a telephone call with the newly appointed Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was to congratulate him on his appointment and wish him continued success in fulfilling his responsibilities.
During the call, Dbaiba wished the UAE Vice President “full success in achieving the aspirations of their people toward more progress and prosperity, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
On Wednesday, the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi also sent a congratulatory telegram to Sheikh Mansour.
“We congratulate you on assuming this high position, which will be an added value to the UAE’s regional and international relations, emphasizing the distinguished relationship between Libya and the UAE,” Al-Mnifi said.
He expressed his aspiration for “further cooperation in issues of common interest, in a way that strengthens bilateral relations and consolidates cooperation frameworks at all levels.”
As well as wishing him “all the success in carrying out his duties and serving their country under the leadership of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
President Al Nahyan recently appointed his eldest son Khaled as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, according to the state-run WAM news agency.
The UAE President also named his other brothers Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan as deputy rulers of Abu Dhabi.
In February, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Dbaiba at the Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the UAE-Libya fraternal relations and aspects of joint cooperation. They also discussed ways to support all efforts and initiatives that preserve Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and ensure the aspirations of its people. The possibility of re-opening the Emirati Embassy in Tripoli was also discussed during the meeting.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.