On Thursday, a delegation from the Libyan Government-designate took part in the International Economic Forum held in Kazan, Russia, under the theme “Trust and Cooperation.” The event saw the participation of 1,500 attendees from 80 countries.
According to the Libyan government’s media office, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij emphasised that the ongoing program, which runs until May 19, opens numerous avenues for partnership and cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world across various levels. It enhances the prospects for employment through genuine programs that benefit both the Islamic nations and the Russian Federation, in an environment of freedom, equality, and shared interests.
Al-Hwaij urged the attendees to adhere to the fundamental Islamic values that promote peace, coexistence, and respect for religions. He highlighted that Islam vehemently rejects and condemns terrorism, noting that Arab and Islamic countries have been among the first to suffer from the waves of terrorism. He stressed that the responsibility to combat it rests on everyone’s shoulders.
The Libyan delegation at the forum included several key figures: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Awad Al-Badri, the Minister of Investment Ali Al-Saeedi, the Minister of Technical Education Faraj Khalil, and Issa Majid Mansour, the Minister of African Affairs in the Libyan government.
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.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
