Moussa Al-Koni, the Deputy Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, affirmed the council’s commitment to unifying state institutions to lead Libya to elections.
In a statement, the Presidential Council reported that Al-Koni received the German Ambassador to Libya, Michael Ohnmacht, who praised the efforts of the council aimed at achieving stability.
They discussed the latest developments in Libya, ways to conclude the transitional phase, and the collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Envoy to achieve consensus among the parties participating in the political process.
Al-Koni commended the efforts of countries concerned with the Libyan situation to achieve stability. He affirmed the Presidential Council’s commitment to unifying state institutions for the electoral process, acknowledging Germany’s active role in previous initiatives.
The statement highlighted Al-Koni’s emphasis on the necessity of unifying efforts, collaborating with countries interested in the Libyan file to ensure stability, and addressing the situation in the southern regions.
“These areas face resource shortages, internal displacement towards the north, waves of illegal migration, and organized crime due to the fragile situation on the southern borders, influenced by events in neighboring countries and their repercussions on Libya,” Al-Koni said.
Last month, the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mohammed Al-Hwaij, urged German companies to resume their involvement in contracted projects in Libya. This call to action was centered around participation in the development and reconstruction plan, specifically focusing on renewable energy and water resources investment projects.
This development emerged during Al-Hwaij’s meeting with Sven Krauspe, the Acting Ambassador of Germany to Libya. The meeting, attended by the Minister’s Advisor, Shathar Al-Sayyid, Director of Foreign Trade Essam Al-Malhoof, and Head of International Cooperation, Faraj Al-Bay, was a significant platform to discuss bilateral economic cooperation.
A statement from the Ministry highlighted the discussion of mechanisms for resuming German companies’ operations in Libya. Krauspe emphasized Germany’s desire to strengthen trade and investments with Libya.
Al-Hwaij presented the Ministry’s strategy for economic diversification, and increasing non-oil sectors’ contribution to the GDP. The ministry’s strategy aims to establish genuine economic partnerships with European Union (EU) trade partners, including Germany.
Furthermore, Al-Hwaij called on the Department of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation to coordinate with the German Embassy’s trade office, to organize the Libyan-German Economic Forum 2024 in Tripoli. The forum will facilitate bilateral meetings between investors from both countries, in collaboration with the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, and the Business Owners Council.
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.