Belqasem Khalifa Haftar, Director-General of the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund, hosted a high-level delegation from South Korea. The delegation was led by His Excellency Jang Jae-hak, South Korea’s Ambassador to Libya, alongside Consul General Shin Woosik, and a diplomatic team accompanying them.
Senior representatives from Daewoo Engineering and Construction, including Senior Vice President Hyang Sik Cho, General Commissioner Il Hee Jang, and Senior Vice President for Engineering and Construction, Young Min Ryu, attended the meeting.
The discussions revolved around key points aimed at fostering mutual collaboration, focusing on activating joint cooperation proposals and strengthening ties between the two nations. Priority areas included sustainable development and reconstruction projects aligned with Libya’s strategic plans.
Both sides emphasised the importance of advancing bilateral relations to achieve shared objectives and enhance economic and investment partnerships.
The meeting underscored the pivotal role of collaboration between Libya and South Korea in driving economic growth and fostering innovation in infrastructure, engineering, and technology.
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.
