Libya’s Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs, Walid Ellafi, met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss diplomatic relations, energy cooperation, and migration issues. The two countries aim to enhance collaboration on security and trade, while also addressing the plight of Syrians fleeing their civil conflict. The meeting highlighted the aspiration for improved diplomatic representation between Libya and Syria, as Libya navigates its own political divisions.
A senior official from Libya’s internationally recognized government engaged with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a meeting held in Damascus on Saturday. The discussions encompassed a variety of pertinent subjects, including diplomatic relations, energy cooperation, and issues surrounding migration. Libyan Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs, Walid Ellafi, communicated the Libyan government’s assurance of support for Syrian authorities in navigating the significant transitional phase that lies ahead.
Ellafi highlighted the necessity for closer coordination and collaboration, particularly in matters of security and military endeavors. The dialogue also extended to topics involving energy and trade cooperation, as well as the pressing issue of illegal immigration, indicative of the ongoing plight of Syrians who’ve fled their country’s civil conflict since 2011. Many have sought refuge in Libya in hopes of finding work or embarking on perilous Mediterranean crossings to Europe.
Moreover, the meeting initiated discussions about enhancing diplomatic representation between Libya and Syria. Ellafi stated that he was accompanied by the charge d’affaires and aspirations were voiced for the appointment of a permanent ambassador as part of their diplomatic engagement. The landscape of power within Libya remains fragmented between Tripoli’s UN-recognized government and a rival governance structure in the east that is associated with military leader Khalifa Haftar. A diplomatic mission from Haftar’s administration was established in Damascus in March 2020.
Prior to this, Libya had been devoid of any diplomatic representation in Syria since 2012, following the ousting and subsequent assassination of the former dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was not definitively clarified whether the current charge d’affaires had been officially appointed since the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies had recently overthrown President Bashar al-Assad. In a parallel diplomatic context, images from Syrian state news agency SANA depicted Sharaa meeting with Bahrain’s strategic security bureau chief, as discussions around regional security, transitional processes, and economic recovery continued to take center stage.
Given the recent shifts in Syria’s governance, new authorities in Damascus have welcomed envoys from various nations, thereby expressing a commitment to rebuild relationships across the region.
The recent meeting between Libyan and Syrian officials highlights the evolving diplomatic landscape in the Middle East post-conflict. As Syria emerges from years of civil war and instability, the new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to solidify international relations and bolster national stability. Libya, experiencing its own political fragmentation, perceives collaboration with Syria as essential, particularly in sectors like energy and addressing migration. Furthermore, the political dynamics in Libya, characterized by divisions between various factions and administrations, complicate regional diplomatic efforts. This meeting is emblematic of broader attempts to reestablish connections and mutual support among nations grappling with the aftermath of civil conflicts.
In summary, the collaborative discussions between Libyan officials and Syria’s new leadership signify a strategic effort to foster diplomatic ties and mutual support in sectors critical for both nations’ recovery. The emphasis on energy cooperation and handling migration reflects pressing regional challenges. Additionally, as Libya grapples with its own political complexities, the advancement of diplomatic representation with Syria is seen as a crucial step in navigating the post-conflict landscape.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
