Libyan Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ageela Saleh, met with Italian Ambassador to Libya Gianluca Alberini and a delegation from the Italian Embassy at his office in the city of Al-Qubba to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Libya and Italy in the political, economic, and security fields.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic coordination and continuous dialogue on developments in Libya and the wider region. They also stressed the shared goal of promoting stability and mutual partnership between the two nations.
The talks reflect ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration on regional security, energy, and migration issues, as Libya and Italy continue to reinforce their long-standing diplomatic and economic ties.
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.