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Dbeibah Stresses China’s Important Role in Reconstructing Libya

Dbeibah is seen at the opening of the inaugural Chinese-Libyan economic forum in Beijing. (GNU)
Dbeibah is seen at the opening of the inaugural Chinese-Libyan economic forum in Beijing. (GNU)
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Dbeibah Stresses China’s Important Role in Reconstructing Libya

Dbeibah is seen at the opening of the inaugural Chinese-Libyan economic forum in Beijing. (GNU)
Dbeibah is seen at the opening of the inaugural Chinese-Libyan economic forum in Beijing. (GNU)

Head of Libya’s interim Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah called on Chinese companies to complete their suspended projects in his country, underlining Beijing’s role in the reconstruction process underway in Libya.

Dbeibah was speaking at the opening of the inaugural Chinese-Libyan economic forum in Beijing. The GNU said on Friday that the meeting was attended by representatives from 84 Chinese companies.

According to a statement from his office, Dbeibah stressed the need to work with Chinese companies, saying that would mark the first phase in joint cooperation and noting that over 23,000 Chinese workers were currently in Libya – a leap from just 5,000 years ago.

The forum made several recommendations, including underscoring the importance of maintaining political and technical communication between Libya and China to address challenges that may impede the “complete return of Chinese” companies to the North African country.

It was agreed to hold the second edition of the forum in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, in October.

The GNU also said Dbeibah discussed with Chinese officials the reopening of Beijing’s embassy in Tripoli.

In Beijing, he met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

They discussed cooperation between their countries and ways to bolster it. They also tackled efforts to restore stability in Libya and hold presidential and parliamentary elections there.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.