Lukashenko Meets with Libyan Military Leader to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
President Alexander Lukashenko engaged with Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar, expressing Belarus’s readiness to strengthen bilateral ties. The discussions covered cooperation in humanitarian, social, and economic areas while acknowledging Libya’s recovery from conflict. Both leaders emphasized their nations’ historical friendship and shared goals for future collaboration.
Today at the Palace of Independence, President Alexander Lukashenko held discussions with a delegation from Libya led by Khalifa Haftar, the Field Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army. Emphasizing the historical ties between Belarus and Libya, President Lukashenko expressed a strong willingness to enhance cooperation for mutual benefit, despite the ongoing conflict in Libya. Maxim Ryzhenkov, the Belarusian Foreign Minister, noted that Libya is undergoing a phase of recovery and could significantly benefit from Belarusian support.
Minister Ryzhenkov highlighted that the destabilization of Libya can be traced back to NATO’s actions in 2011, which transformed the nation into a failed state facing substantial challenges, including illegal migration. Moving forward, Belarus aims to assist Libya in a wide range of areas, including humanitarian, social, and economic initiatives. During the meeting, President Lukashenko conveyed deep understanding and concern for the situation in Libya and assured Mr. Haftar of Belarus’s readiness to support strategic cooperation.
President Lukashenko stated, “Mr. Haftar, please consider that you have come to your friends, to your home. We are ready to do for you everything that you see as useful in Belarus.” He further pledged that all agreements reached during their discussions would be fulfilled promptly. Khalifa Haftar reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his gratitude for the invitation and his eagerness to strengthen ties between the nations.
Field Marshal Haftar acknowledged Belarus’s stable and peaceful conditions, contrasting them with the tensions prevalent in the broader region. He underscored the remarkable advancement of Belarus into a high-tech state, recognizing the modern industrial and agricultural capabilities of the nation. “We really want to develop cooperation with you, so that it is mutually beneficial,” he affirmed, indicating a strong desire to establish strategic collaboration for the future.
The meeting lasted two and a half hours, with most discussions conducted behind closed doors. At the conclusion of their talks, gifts were exchanged, including certificates for Belarusian tractors and buses presented by President Lukashenko to the people of Libya. This visit marks a renewed commitment towards fostering bilateral relations between Belarus and Libya.
The discussions between President Lukashenko and Field Marshal Haftar reflected a shared commitment to strengthen Belarus-Libya relations, emphasizing cooperation in various sectors. Both leaders acknowledged the historical ties between their nations and expressed readiness to support each other’s development, particularly in light of Libya’s ongoing recovery process. The meeting culminated in promises of future collaboration, highlighting Belarus’s willingness to assist its Libyan partners. This engagement symbolizes a renewed interest in formalizing partnerships despite the challenges faced by Libya, ultimately aiming for mutual benefit and stability.
Original Source: news.by
