Beijing, October 18, 2023 — In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohammad Younes Menfi announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Libya. The announcement was made during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Menfi is attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Libya, stating that China’s stance on supporting Libya’s stable development and boosting friendly bilateral cooperation “will not change no matter how the situation evolves.” He reaffirmed China’s commitment to assisting Libya in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, encouraging a path toward peace, stability, and prosperity through dialogue and consultation.
Highlighting economic collaboration, Xi expressed China’s willingness to support Libya’s economic reconstruction and efforts to improve people’s livelihoods. He conveyed hope that Libya would create a favorable environment for Chinese businesses, indicating mutual interest in enhancing economic ties.
Menfi acknowledged the importance of China to Libya from both peace and economic perspectives. “The FOCAC summit offers a historic opportunity for the development of relations between Libya and China and between Africa and China,” he remarked. He expressed Libya’s eagerness to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative and within the framework of FOCAC.
Libya welcomes Chinese businesses to participate in its economic reconstruction and is committed to providing a favorable environment for them, Menfi added. He also affirmed Libya’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, stating that this position “will not change under any circumstances.”
The establishment of the strategic partnership signifies a deepening of ties between the two nations, with implications for broader cooperation across Africa and the Arab world. Both leaders expressed a shared interest in strengthening dialogue and collaboration with other African and Arab countries, maintaining close communications with the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, and consolidating solidarity among Global South countries.
This move aligns with China’s broader strategy to enhance relations with African nations through initiatives like the Belt and Road and platforms like FOCAC, aiming to foster mutual development and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
As Libya continues its path toward peace and reconstruction, the strategic partnership with China could play a pivotal role in boosting its economic recovery and stability, benefiting not only the two nations but also contributing positively to regional development.
Reference(s):
China and Libya announce establishment of strategic partnership
cgtn.com
