Libya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Hwaij, held talks with Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), at the party’s political bureau headquarters in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The meeting focused on ways to strengthen bilateral ties between Libya and the Kurdistan Region, including cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural fields. Discussions also covered proposals for twinning Sulaymaniyah with several Libyan cities to foster greater exchange and long-term cooperation.
Talabani welcomed the Libyan minister’s visit, stressing the importance of broadening relations and reaffirming the PUK’s commitment to closer cooperation with Libya. He also extended congratulations to the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces on the appointment of Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Abu Al-Qasim Haftar as Deputy Commander-in-Chief.
For his part, Al-Hwaij invited Talabani to visit Libya in the near future, underlining the Libyan government’s keenness to deepen ties of friendship with the Kurdistan Region and work jointly in a way that serves mutual interests and reflects the historic and geographic bonds between the peoples of the region.
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.
