Alexander Lukashenko met with Khalifa Haftar from the Libyan National Army to discuss enhancing Belarus-Libya relations. Despite Libya’s ongoing strife, both leaders expressed commitment to cooperation in humanitarian and economic areas. The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, highlighting Belarus’s readiness to support Libya’s recovery efforts.
Today, Alexander Lukashenko conducted a meeting with a delegation from Libya, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the Supreme Commander of the Libyan National Army, at the Palace of Independence. The discussions centered on enhancing Belarus-Libya relations, which have historically been amicable. Despite Libya’s challenging circumstances, Lukashenko reiterated Belarus’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for mutual benefit.
Although intergovernmental collaboration between Belarus and Libya has been sparse in recent times, there remains a tradition of friendly engagement between the two peoples. Maxim Ryzhenkov, the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that Libya is in a phase of recovery and in need of international support, particularly from allies like Belarus.
Ryzhenkov asserted, “Let us call a spade a spade: the cause of the Libyan crisis is what NATO did to this country in 2011.” He emphasized the devastating consequences of NATO’s intervention, which left Libya in a state of turmoil and instability, prompting urgent needs for assistance.
Lukashenko expressed his willingness to initiate a new era of cooperation, discussing a broad spectrum of collaborative opportunities encompassing humanitarian efforts and economic initiatives. He warmly welcomed Field Marshal Haftar, affirming his understanding of Libya’s complex situation.
Addressing the meeting, Lukashenko stated, “Mr. Haftar, please consider that you have come to your friends, to your home.” He acknowledged his prior visits to Libya and asserted Belarus’s readiness to support Libya in its recovery efforts.
Haftar, in turn, expressed gratitude for the invitation, highlighting his desire for cooperative development. He commended Belarus for its peaceful atmosphere and advanced technology, stating, “Everything is developing at a high level with you.” His remarks reflected Libya’s intentions to forge strategic partnerships with Belarus.
The meeting lasted for two and a half hours, predominantly held in private, with the exchange of gifts marking its conclusion. Lukashenko donated domestic agricultural equipment, including tractors and buses, to the Libyan delegation.
In conclusion, Alexander Lukashenko’s meeting with Khalifa Haftar signifies a sustained commitment to strengthen Belarus-Libya relations amidst ongoing conflict in Libya. The discussions aimed at fostering cooperation in various sectors, with both leaders expressing a mutual desire for partnership. As Belarus looks to assist Libya’s recovery, this meeting may lay the groundwork for renewed diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Original Source: news.by
