Libya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Hweij, received a delegation of journalists and media representatives from the Kingdom of Spain at the ministry’s headquarters in Benghazi on Monday.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Hweij discussed the role of the Libyan government as the legitimate executive authority in Libya, highlighting the contributions of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces in combating terrorism and extremist groups over the past years. He affirmed their collaborative efforts with the government in the ongoing battle for reconstruction and development.
Minister Al-Hweij urged the Spanish media to portray the accurate and true picture they witnessed in Libya, to strengthen and enhance commercial, political, and economic cooperation. He emphasized the crucial role of audible, visual, and print media as modern diplomatic tools.
Al-Hweij remarked on the shared Mediterranean space between Libya and Spain, noting the deep historical relations based on solid foundations of equality, mutual respect, and shared interests.
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.
