Khalifa Haftar met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the political situation in Libya and the UN mission’s role. This meeting, which took place at the Elysee Palace, is Haftar’s first in years, signaling a revival of bilateral relations after a period of tension and reduced cooperation. He also recently visited Belarus to explore further collaboration.
Khalifa Haftar met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by Haftar’s media office. However, the French presidency did not release an official statement regarding the specifics of this engagement. The discussions centered on the political situation in Libya and the importance of bolstering the United Nations mission’s efforts. Additionally, they reviewed regional developments and explored avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation to benefit mutual interests.
This meeting marks Haftar’s inaugural visit to Paris in several years, reflecting years of strained relations. Previously, France extended military and political assistance to Haftar, particularly during his offensive against Tripoli from 2019 to 2020, which ultimately resulted in his forces’ defeat. Just a week before this meeting, Haftar visited Belarus, where he engaged with President Alexander Lukashenko to discuss cooperation, with Lukashenko assuring that all agreed plans would be executed promptly.
In summary, Khalifa Haftar’s meeting with President Macron signifies a potential thaw in Franco-Libyan relations amidst ongoing political complexities in Libya. The discussions focused on the political process and the United Nations’ role while considering future cooperation between the nations. This visit follows Haftar’s previous dealings with Belarus, indicating his proactive diplomatic efforts in securing support.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
