Libyan National Army General Khalifa Haftar met with French Ambassador to Libya Mustafa Maharaj at the General Command headquarters in Benghazi on Tuesday to discuss the latest political developments in Libya.
During the meeting, General Haftar welcomed Ambassador Maharaj, praising the strong Libyan-French relations and emphasizing the importance of further developing and enhancing the ties between the two nations.
The General Command’s media office reported that the discussions focused on the current state of Libya’s political process.
Both parties highlighted the need to intensify efforts to advance the political process in preparation for upcoming elections, in coordination with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Ambassador Maharaj acknowledged the significant role of the Libyan armed forces in maintaining security and stability in the region. He also expressed France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations to serve the mutual interests of both countries.
Libya has been in a state of turmoil since the 2011 uprising that ousted long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The country has since struggled with internal divisions, with competing governments and armed groups vying for control. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of international actors with vested interests in Libya’s political and economic landscape.
General Khalifa Haftar, a prominent figure in Libyan politics and military, leads the Libyan National Army (LNA), which controls the eastern part of the country. The LNA has been a key player in the Libyan conflict, often at odds with the Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli.
France has played an active diplomatic role in seeking a resolution to the Libyan crisis. The country has historically supported Haftar but has also engaged with other factions to promote a comprehensive political solution.
