The Head of the Libyan Presidential Council (PC), Mohamed Al-Mnifi held talks with a number of senior US officials on the sidelines of the Washington-hosted, US-Africa Leaders Summit.
In a statement, the PC’s media office said that Al-Mnifi met with US President, Joe Biden. He also held consultations with Congressman and Armed Services Committee member John Garamendi and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
During the talks, Al-Mnifi discussed ways of achieving stability in Libya, and the PC’s vision for a permanent solution to the country’s political and economic crisis.
Biden voiced his commitment to supporting the stability of Libya, and the success of the peaceful transfer of power.
Pelosi affirmed that the US “attaches great importance to the Libyan file, and its support for efforts to build peace and security in Libya.”
During the talks, Congressman Garamendi expressed support for stabilization efforts in Libya.
On Thursday, Al-Mnifi held a meeting with Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss the latest developments.
El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s “firm stance in supporting the efforts of the PC to help create the required climate for holding Libya’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections simultaneously. In order to end the current crisis, by activating the will of the Libyan people.”
On his part; Al-Mnifi affirmed Libya’s appreciation for the “vital Egyptian role led by President El-Sisi in restoring peace and stability in Libya. In light of the fraternal and historical relations that bind the two countries, and the pioneering role under the President, especially with regard to supporting Libyan institutions.”
Libya has been in a political stalemate since the eastern-based Parliament appointed Fathi Bashagha as Prime Minister-designate in February 2022. This was to replace Tripoli-based Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba after he failed to hold the country’s anticipated Presidential elections in December 2021.
However, Dbaiba has refused to hand over power, saying his government would remain, and only hand over office to an elected government.