Libya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdelhadi Al-Hwaij, met on Tuesday in Benghazi with Hugo Van, the newly appointed Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mission in Libya.
The meeting marked the start of the ICRC’s new operational phase in the country and focused on strengthening cooperation, ensuring transparency, and aligning humanitarian work with national priorities.
Al-Hwaij welcomed Hugo Van and congratulated him on assuming his new duties, emphasizing the importance of coordination between the ICRC and Libyan institutions. He stressed that all international organizations operating in Libya must work through local partnerships and fully comply with national laws regulating humanitarian activities.
He also underscored the need to adhere to the directives issued by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, as well as the Foreign Ministry’s Circular No. (13/5), which clearly prohibits interference in Libya’s political or religious affairs and calls for respect of the country’s traditions, social values, and cultural norms.
The Minister affirmed that the ICRC’s 2026 work plan should be built upon the needs and priorities of Libya’s local partners rather than external agendas. He stated that effective humanitarian work depends on direct coordination with national institutions, which ensures that all efforts support Libya’s sovereignty and contribute to sustainable humanitarian progress.
Al-Hwaij commended the ICRC’s continued efforts in Libya, acknowledging its vital role in supporting relief programs, health services, and assistance to communities affected by conflict and displacement. He particularly praised the organization’s contributions to the voluntary return program for Sudanese nationals, highlighting it as an example of successful humanitarian collaboration.
For his part, Hugo Van expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Libyan authorities. He emphasized that the organization would continue to operate with full respect for its principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality, while aligning its activities with Libya’s humanitarian priorities.