Qatar Sunday expressed support to Libya’s interim and unity government tasked to lead the oil-rich African country to democratic elections scheduled in December.
Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s top diplomat and deputy Prime Minister met with Libyan authorities following arrival in capital Tripoli.
“We support the UN-sponsored political process in the hope that it preserves the territorial integrity of Libya and prevents foreign interference in its affairs,” told media during a joint press conference with his Libyan counterpart Najla al-Mangoush.
“Our exchanges were fruitful, in particular on support for the transition process in Libya… Qatar’s position is firm,” he added. The visit is the first by the Qatari foreign minister since the establishment of the unity government led by AbdulHamid Dbeibah.
Qatar is a major player in Libya as it supported the bygone Government of National Accord (GNA) birthed UN-backed Libyan dialogue of December 2015.
Dbeibah’s Government of National Unity replaced the GNA in March following a new rounds of inter Libyan talks; Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, aimed at ending years of the civil war funded by foreign countries.
Aside from Qatar several countries have also thrown their support behind the GNU and re-opened their foreign mission in the war ravaged African country.
Qatar voices support for Libyan unity government
