Khalifa Haftar and Macron Discuss Libya’s Political Future in Paris
Khalifa Haftar met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, discussing political developments in Libya and support for the UN mission. This marks Haftar’s first visit to Paris after a period of strained relations, following military setbacks in his campaign against Tripoli. In previous meetings with Belarus, Haftar focused on enhancing international cooperation.
On Wednesday evening, Khalifa Haftar met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, as announced by Haftar’s media office. Although the French presidency did not release an official statement on the specifics of the discussions, it was reported that the leaders engaged in a comprehensive dialogue regarding the political developments in Libya.
During their meeting, Haftar and Macron addressed the significance of bolstering the United Nations mission’s efforts and reviewed various regional matters. They further explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between Libya and France to serve their mutual interests.
This visit marks Haftar’s first trip to Paris in years, following a period of strained relations after France’s military backing of Haftar, which occurred prior to the defeat of his forces in their 2019-2020 assault on Tripoli. Prior to arriving in France, Haftar spent three days in Belarus, meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko to discuss strengthening ties and cooperation, with Lukashenko committing to timely implementation of agreed-upon measures.
In summary, Khalifa Haftar’s meeting with President Macron signifies a crucial step toward re-establishing diplomatic relations between Libya and France. The discussions revolved around critical political processes in Libya and emphasized international cooperation, particularly under the United Nations’ mission. Haftar’s recent international visits suggest a strategic approach to garner support amidst ongoing regional complexities.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
