Abdel-Hadi Al-Hwaij, the Foreign Minister of the Libyan Parliament-designated government, has been at the forefront of international engagements aimed at stabilizing and navigating Libya through its complex political landscape.
Al-Hwaij’s role includes addressing international issues relevant to Libya, and steering the nation’s foreign policy in a direction that aligns with the objectives of the interim government. This government, supported by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army (LNA), has been instrumental in counter-terrorism efforts, and asserting control over significant portions of the country.
These diplomatic activities are part of broader efforts by Libyan authorities to establish stability, and address challenges such as foreign interference, which has been a factor in the ongoing conflict. Countries like Qatar, Turkey, and Italy have been accused of supporting armed groups in Tripoli, further complicating Libya’s path to stability.
The inauguration of new consular offices, such as the one in Tobruk, is part of this effort, aiming to enhance Libya’s administrative and diplomatic capabilities, which are crucial for the country’s stabilization efforts.
Al-Hwaij’s discussions with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, therefore, mark a significant step in Libya’s diplomatic engagements. This focused on bilateral cooperation, particularly in combatting terrorism, and addressing security concerns, in line with Libya’s broader strategic goals of securing stability and countering the influence of militant groups like IS. These cooperative efforts with Iraq and other regional partners are pivotal in Libya’s journey towards achieving a more stable and secure environment, essential for its political and economic development.
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.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down.