Latest news with #AbdulhadiAl-Hwaij
Libya Review
02-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya & Belarus Discuss Direct Flights
Libya and Belarus have taken another step towards deepening their bilateral relationship, with foreign ministers from both countries discussing the launch of a direct flight route between Benghazi and Minsk. The proposed air link is expected to facilitate travel for purposes such as medical treatment, education, and business. Libyan Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij, representing the eastern-based government appointed by the Libyan Parliament, met with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov in Minsk on Wednesday. Their talks focused on activating previously signed agreements, especially the memorandum of understanding inked on 9 March 2025 in Benghazi. The ministers highlighted the importance of developing cooperation across a range of fields, including education, agriculture, industry, emergency services, and technical and diplomatic collaboration. They also emphasised the strategic value of expanding bilateral cooperation into economic, academic, health, and political spheres. During the meeting, Minister Al-Huwaij delivered a copy of a government decision issued by Prime Minister Osama Hammad to exempt Belarusian citizens from requiring visas to enter Libya. The move, based on the principle of reciprocity, aims to promote mobility and strengthen people-to-people ties. The two ministers also expressed interest in bolstering cooperation between their respective foreign ministries, particularly in training and technical support, to build capacity and foster deeper diplomatic understanding. The high-level talks come as part of a wider official visit to Minsk by Prime Minister Osama Hammad and several cabinet members. On Tuesday, Hammad met with Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, who pledged to supply Libya with baby food, livestock feed, and anti-locust chemicals. Belarus also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Libya in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and industry. Tags: BelarusbenghaziFlightslibyaMinsk
Libya Review
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Receives Official Apology from Tunisian Convoy Leaders
Libya's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij, has confirmed that officials from a Tunisian aid convoy have issued a formal apology for what were described as 'unintentional insults' directed at Libya. Speaking in a phone interview with Al-Massar TV, Al-Hwaij clarified that Libyan authorities had provided essential support to the Algerian-bound convoy, which initially lacked key provisions. He emphasized that the Libyan government acted in the spirit of humanitarian solidarity. Al-Hwaij noted that the Tunisian delegation leading the convoy had officially apologized, describing the earlier misconduct as not reflective of Tunisia's people, values, or culture. 'Our ties with Tunisia are historically rooted and deeply respected. Both sides reject this kind of behavior,' he stated. The minister further explained that some external groups, not part of the convoy, attempted to exploit the incident for their own political or personal agendas. 'We were told that certain individuals tried to ride the wave of the event, but they were never involved in the convoy's mission,' he added. Al-Hwaij concluded by stressing that the purpose of the convoy is strictly humanitarian. 'We made it clear that the tools and means used by the convoy must remain ethical and humane.' Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: Aid ConvoylibyaLibyan Foreign MinistryTunisia
Libya Review
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Deports 157 Chadian Migrants from Sebha
The Libyan government designated by the House of Representatives has announced the first voluntary deportation operation from Sebha Airport in over 15 years. The move involved the repatriation of 157 undocumented Chadian migrants, and signals the government's continued rejection of migrant resettlement in Libya. The operation was overseen by Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij during his inspection visit to Sebha Airport. According to a statement from the foreign ministry, Al-Hwaij closely monitored the procedures and personally interacted with some of the migrants before their departure, wishing them a safe return home. The deportation was carried out in coordination with the Department for Combating Illegal Migration under the Ministry of Interior, along with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Authorities described the mission as a coordinated effort between national institutions and international partners. Al-Hwaij reiterated the Libyan Parliament-designate government's firm stance against any proposals to resettle migrants in Libya or turn the country into a border guard for Europe. He stressed that Libya 'rejects any attempt to make it a destination for illegal migration or a holding zone for migrants destined for Europe.' The foreign minister called for a 'comprehensive and sustainable approach' to the migration issue, highlighting the need for joint efforts between countries of origin, transit, and destination. He urged regional and international collaboration to tackle the underlying causes of irregular migration. Libya remains a major transit hub for African migrants trying to reach Europe. However, the eastern-based government has repeatedly voiced its opposition to becoming a long-term host for migrants. Tags: ChadIOMlibyamigrationRepatriation
Libya Review
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Al-Hwaij Discusses Migrant Schools in Sebha
Libya's Minister of Foreign Affairs in the eastern-based government, Dr. Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij, held a high-level meeting in Sebha to address the growing challenges posed by irregular migration, with a particular focus on migrant-run schools operating in the southern city. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, the Mayor of Sebha, the Head of the Southern Organization, the Director of Sebha Security, the Head of the Development and Reconstruction Authority in Sebha, as well as several senior security officials. Discussions centred around the legal status of schools serving irregular migrants, the curriculum being taught, and efforts to regulate these institutions. Officials also addressed potential violations and the need to bring such schools into legal compliance. The gathering comes as part of broader efforts to manage the presence of irregular migrants in Libya's south, improve oversight of related educational institutions, and ensure that national laws are upheld in a way that serves the public interest. Sebha has long been a key transit point for migrants heading toward northern Libya and eventually Europe. The presence of unregulated educational institutions has added further complexity to the region's social and administrative landscape. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: Abdulhadi Al-HwaijlibyamigrantsSebha
