The Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), Al Siddik Al Kabir, discussed cooperation avenues with French companies to support the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the General Electricity Company (GEC). This was discussed during a meeting with Philippe Gautier, the Executive Director of the French International Business Movement.
The discussions, part of Al Kabir’s tour in France, focused on the opportunities available for French companies in Libya and the importance of diversifying income sources. They also discussed opportunities within the private sector, supporting the NOC and the GEC, opening avenues for renewable energy, and developing the health, water, as well as sanitation sectors.
The meeting, which took place last Friday in Paris, was attended by the French Ambassador to Libya, Mustafa Maharaj, along with representatives from various French companies, institutions, and Ministries at the headquarters of the international institution.
Al Kabir also met with the French envoy Paul Soler and Ambassador Maharaj at the Élysée Palace to discuss the endorsement of a unified budget for Libya and expenditure rationalisation.
Furthermore, discussions with Emmanuel Cocher, Deputy Director of North Africa and Middle East Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, centered on the Central Bank’s role in monetary and financial stability, the issue of unaccounted-for Libyan currency, and its effects on the exchange rate in the parallel market.
Last month, Adel Bakkar, the Director of the European Department at the Libyan Foreign Ministry, held discussions with French Senator Cédric Perrin, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Their talks focussed on the establishment of a French consulate in Benghazi. A move which marks a significant step towards enhancing Libya-France diplomatic ties.
The talks covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including political, economic, and trade relations, with the consulate’s establishment highlighting the mutual interest in deepening diplomatic engagement. Additionally, the upcoming Africa-Europe Conference in May, hosted by the Libyan Government, was discussed, showcasing Libya’s role in promoting dialogue between the continents.
Bakkar extended an invitation from Libyan Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij to Perrin for a visit to Libya, aiming to engage further with Libyan government officials and members of the Libyan House of Representatives. This gesture aims to strengthen the collaborative relationship between the two countries.
