Eng. Belgassim Khalifa Haftar, General Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, welcomed a high-level British delegation for discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation. The British delegation, which included the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Libya, Martin Andrew, British Business Council Chairman Peter Millett, and 31 representatives from various British companies and institutions, gathered with Libyan officials and business leaders to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration.
The meeting, attended by the General Director of Libya’s National Development Agency along with directors of project management, international cooperation, legal affairs, and finance departments, provided a platform for Libyan and British businesses to engage in productive dialogue. Discussions focused on advancing cooperation in sectors of shared interest, including infrastructure, trade, and development.
At the close of the meeting, Peter Millett and Ambassador Andrew extended an official invitation to Eng. Belgassim Haftar to visit London in January for further discussions and partnership-building initiatives.
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.
