On Saturday, US Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland, met with Libya’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed al-Hwaij.
Norland, in a tweet on X, discussed potential political and economic reforms in Libya with al-Hwaij.
The talks also covered the support system provided by the Libyan government to citizens, as well as developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to the state located in North-African state.
Last month, al-Hwaij, urged China to co-organise an economic forum, bringing together businesses from both nations.
He proposed an accompanying exhibition, showcasing Chinese industries and products in Libya.
During a meeting with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Liu Jian, al-Hwaij emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation with China, a key trading partner.
He encouraged major Chinese companies to enter the Libyan market, invest in strategic projects, and establish connections with the African market. This would be through the design and construction of international roads.
Al-Hwaij highlighted Libya’s interest in leveraging industrial technology in the renewable energy sector, and providing an energy reservoir directed towards the European market.
He extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Libya, with an economic and trade delegation to discuss establishing strategic cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.
The Chinese diplomat expressed the eagerness of major Chinese companies to enter the Libyan market, and praised the existing bilateral cooperation.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar 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 Abdelhamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down.