Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad, accompanied by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktar Karankevich, visited the Bela Expo 2025 exhibition in the Belarusian capital, Minsk.
The high-level government delegation toured various sections of the exhibition, including the World War II Museum, which is featured alongside the expo.
The visit coincided with Belarus’ national independence celebrations. During the visit, Prime Minister Hammad highlighted the importance of strengthening joint cooperation across various sectors to bolster the partnership between Libya and Belarus. He also stressed the significance of enhancing cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
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.
