Libyan Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij has embarked on an official visit to the friendly Republic of Liberia at the invitation of the Special Envoy of the President of Liberia, President Joseph Boakai.
At the outset of his visit, Minister Al-Hwaij met with President Boakai in his office in the capital, Monrovia, to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Hwaij reviewed the latest developments in the Libyan crisis, highlighting the efforts of the Libyan government and armed forces to restore security and stability, as well as the ongoing development and reconstruction initiatives across various regions under the Libyan government’s framework.
President Boakai welcomed the visit, emphasizing the deep, strong historical ties between the two countries and the importance of restoring security, stability, and unity in Libya.
President Boakai also conveyed his warmest regards to the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Speaker of the House of Representatives Ageela Saleh, and Prime Minister Dr. Osama Hammad through Minister Al-Hwaij.
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.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.