Lukashenko Meets Libyan National Army Commander to Strengthen Ties

President Alexander Lukashenko hosted Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army at the Palace of Independence, emphasizing Belarus’s willingness to bolster cooperation with Libya despite ongoing conflicts. Discussions focused on various sectors, including humanitarian, social, and economic initiatives. Both leaders expressed a strong desire to foster positive relations between the two nations.

Today, in the Palace of Independence, President Alexander Lukashenko engaged in discussions with a delegation from Libya, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the Supreme Commander of the Libyan National Army. Emphasizing Belarus’ longstanding friendly relations with Libya, President Lukashenko expressed a commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations, despite the ongoing conflicts in Libya.

Belarus and Libya have faced challenges in recent years, and there have not been updates on bilateral cooperation for some time. Nonetheless, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that Libya’s current situation requires support from trusted partners like Belarus. He pointed out the past industrial and social developments in Libya, emphasizing that Belarus has experienced similar political upheavals.

The President highlighted the devastating impact of NATO’s intervention in Libya in 2011, which significantly altered the country’s stability. He reiterated Minsk’s willingness to extend assistance to Libya, as Field Marshal Haftar visited to discuss collaboration in humanitarian, social, and economic spheres.

During his address, President Lukashenko expressed deep respect for the Libyan people and acknowledged his familiarity with Libya’s history. He assured Haftar that Belarus is ready to cooperate in areas that Libya finds beneficial. Ibrahim Haftar reciprocated the sentiments, expressing gratitude for the welcoming gesture and recognition of Belarus’s calm and peaceful environment amid regional tensions.

Haftar praised Belarus as a high-tech nation, capable of producing state-of-the-art agricultural and industrial equipment. He expressed a strong desire for strategic cooperation, underscoring the potential for mutually beneficial relations. The meeting, lasting two and a half hours, concluded with an exchange of gifts, wherein President Lukashenko presented certificates for Belarusian tractors and buses as tokens of goodwill towards Libya.

President Lukashenko’s meeting with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar signals a renewed effort to strengthen Belarus-Libya cooperation. The dialogue focused on humanitarian, social, and economic projects, reflecting a commitment to support Libya amidst ongoing challenges. Both leaders expressed their desires to enhance bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of their countries and peoples.

Original Source: news.by