Libya and Belarus have taken another step towards deepening their bilateral relationship, with foreign ministers from both countries discussing the launch of a direct flight route between Benghazi and Minsk. The proposed air link is expected to facilitate travel for purposes such as medical treatment, education, and business.
Libyan Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij, representing the eastern-based government appointed by the Libyan Parliament, met with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov in Minsk on Wednesday. Their talks focused on activating previously signed agreements, especially the memorandum of understanding inked on 9 March 2025 in Benghazi.
The ministers highlighted the importance of developing cooperation across a range of fields, including education, agriculture, industry, emergency services, and technical and diplomatic collaboration.
They also emphasised the strategic value of expanding bilateral cooperation into economic, academic, health, and political spheres.
During the meeting, Minister Al-Huwaij delivered a copy of a government decision issued by Prime Minister Osama Hammad to exempt Belarusian citizens from requiring visas to enter Libya. The move, based on the principle of reciprocity, aims to promote mobility and strengthen people-to-people ties.
The two ministers also expressed interest in bolstering cooperation between their respective foreign ministries, particularly in training and technical support, to build capacity and foster deeper diplomatic understanding.
The high-level talks come as part of a wider official visit to Minsk by Prime Minister Osama Hammad and several cabinet members.
On Tuesday, Hammad met with Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, who pledged to supply Libya with baby food, livestock feed, and anti-locust chemicals. Belarus also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Libya in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and industry.
