Khalifa Haftar met with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing Libya’s political developments and regional cooperation. This visit follows years of strained relations after France’s support during Haftar’s failed military campaign in Tripoli. Additionally, Haftar recently visited Belarus to strengthen ties with President Lukashenko, who pledged to support him.
Khalifa Haftar, a prominent Libyan military figure, recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. Though no official statement was released by the French presidency regarding the visit’s specifics, Haftar’s media office reported that the leaders engaged in extensive discussions about the political developments in Libya. They also emphasized the necessity of supporting the United Nations mission and considered strategies to strengthen cooperation between Libya and France to promote mutual interests.
This visit marks Haftar’s first trip to Paris following a prolonged period of frayed relations between Haftar and the French government. Previously, France had offered both military and political backing to Haftar, although this support faced challenges after his military endeavors against Tripoli ended in defeat between 2019 and 2020. Haftar’s visit suggests a potential thaw in the previously stagnant diplomatic relations between the two parties.
In a separate meeting the previous week, Haftar visited Belarus to engage with President Alexander Lukashenko on cooperative efforts. During this meeting, President Lukashenko assured Haftar of Belarus’s commitment to assisting him in various endeavors, stating, “everything that will be agreed upon will be implemented on time.” This indicates a developing international network for Haftar in light of his ongoing political struggles in Libya.
In summary, Khalifa Haftar’s recent discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron highlight critical dialogue concerning Libya’s political landscape and the potential for renewed bilateral cooperation. Coupled with his ongoing engagements in Belarus, Haftar seeks to foster strategic alliances that may bolster his position. These developments reflect the complexities of international relations surrounding Libya’s political future.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
