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.
