On Tuesday, the Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fathi Bashagha, received the head of the UN Coordination for the Humanitarian Affairs in Libya (OCHA), Yacoub El-Hillo.
“El Hillo, met with the Minister of Interior of the GNA in Tripoli, today. They discussed joint cooperation on humanitarian issues, and ways to develop and strengthen the strategic partnership,” OCHA Libya tweeted on Tuesday.
Both parties agreed to resolve challenges, particularly those facing the internally displaced, migrants, and people in need of international protection. Facilitation of entry visas to staff members of international humanitarian NGOs to Libya was also discussed and agreed.
El Hillo and Bashagha also stressed the need to urgently resume flights for the voluntary repatriation of migrants from Libya. They also talked about the need to expedite departures for refugees resettling in third countries, and those departing on humanitarian evacuation grounds.
The UN coordinator expressed the readiness of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to provide humanitarian support in all fields, especially in the circumstances the country is currently going through.
Bashagha appreciated the efforts of the UN to establish security and safety in Libya, including its efforts to reach a political solution that satisfies all parties to the conflict.
In September, Bashagha praised the efforts made by UNSMIL, “To bring the teams together, and overcome the difficulties”. He also appreciated the “distinguished role” played by Stephanie Williams who is the acting Special Representative to Libya. “We appreciate Williams’ efforts and her contributions in advancing the political process towards a solution,” Bashagha tweeted last month.