A senior US official has said that Libya now ranks as a top priority in the United States’ current strategy, reflecting Washington’s growing interest in expanding economic cooperation, strengthening trade ties, and supporting increased oil production and foreign investment in the country.
Mark Larocque, Economic and Commercial Affairs Officer at the United States Embassy in Libya, made the remarks on Saturday during the Libya Energy and Economic Summit 2026 held in Tripoli. His comments were reported by the US-based platform Energy Capital & Power.
Larocque said Libya holds significant strategic value for the United States, citing the presence and growing activity of American companies operating in the country and the heightened level of attention Libya is receiving from the current US administration. He described US–Libyan relations as entering a new phase, characterized by direct engagement and a focus on long-term economic partnership.
According to the US official, Washington views economic cooperation, investment, and development as key pillars for supporting stability in Libya. He stressed that the relationship goes beyond the number of companies present, pointing instead to Libya’s broader potential as a partner with room for expansion across multiple sectors.
Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Abdulsadek echoed this message, stating that Libya is open to business and actively seeking international partnerships. He encouraged more foreign firms to enter the Libyan market, highlighting the momentum created by the country’s current oil licensing round, which is opening new opportunities for US energy and service companies.
American firms are expected to play a central role in revitalizing Libya’s oil and gas sector. ConocoPhillips holds a major stake in the Waha Oil Company, which aims to raise production from about 375,000 barrels per day to 700,000 barrels per day. Other US companies, including Baker Hughes, Halliburton, and SLB, are expanding operations by offering technical services, digital solutions, and workforce development programs.
More than 17 American companies are participating in this year’s summit, underlining Libya’s renewed attractiveness as an energy investment destination and signaling stronger US engagement in the country’s economic future.