In a significant step towards enhancing cultural ties between Libya and France, Mabrouka Togui, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development in Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) warmly received the French Ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje on Thursday.
Accompanying Maharaj was Laurent Giller, the Cultural Cooperation Advisor at the French Embassy.
The meeting focused on various cultural matters of mutual interest to Libya and France, aiming to foster closer cultural relations between the two nations.
The meeting was also attended by Khalifa Al-Hamidi, the Director of International Cultural Cooperation, and Abdelhadi Al-Ma’il, an archaeology expert at the Ministry’s Experts Office.
This meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of both countries to deepen their cultural exchange and collaboration, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relationships.
Last month, France voiced a strong message at the United Nations Security Council concerning the urgent need for elections in Libya. The French representative highlighted the criticality of moving forward with the electoral process, stating that further delays are unacceptable, and contribute to the ongoing political instability in the country.
During the Security Council session on Libya, the French official underscored the “unsustainable nature of Libya’s prolonged transitional periods. The continuation of these phases without a clear endpoint only exacerbates the situation, inviting unwelcome external influence in Libyan internal affairs.”
The representative also pointed out the need for Libyan factions to engage in constructive dialogue. This dialogue is viewed as a crucial step towards establishing a functional government, capable of overseeing and conducting national elections.
France’s position reflects growing international concern over the political stagnation in Libya. The absence of a definitive electoral process is seen as a hindrance to the country’s progress, towards stability and democracy.