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Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has expressed his support for the idea of uniting Libya, saying that a peaceful and developing Libyan state would ensure stability across half of Africa. He made the statement during a meeting with Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander of the Libyan National Army and son of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
“Dear Saddam, I would like to welcome you and your colleagues. Thank you for this visit. We truly have a lot to discuss. I also want to thank you for the significant contribution you are making to the renewal of our relations with the Libyan state,” Lukashenko said, according to his press service.
Lukashenko recalled his earlier visit to Libya during the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.
“Why renewal? Because I can say that many years ago I visited your country. I met with the then president of Libya. We reached many agreements and achieved quite a lot. Unfortunately, for certain reasons, our relations were later destroyed. Still, we maintained some level of contact,” he said.
According to Lukashenko, Belarus never severed its ties with the new Libyan authorities, but cooperation intensified in recent years under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
“Most actively, our relations have been restored in recent times. Once again, please convey my warmest wishes to the field marshal. I highly appreciate his commitment to strengthening our partnership. And I want to assure you that all agreements we have reached—and those we will reach—will certainly be fulfilled,” Lukashenko said.
Continuing the discussion, the Belarusian leader noted that he closely follows the situation in Libya and supports efforts to unite the country.
“I know the situation in Libya very well. We are deeply aware of what is happening there. I understand that many forces—both inside and especially outside the country—have sought to influence events. But I must say that the people of Libya will choose the path and the leaders who can feed, clothe, and protect their nation. I know that you are striving to bring peace and unity to Libya. We are ready to work with you day and night toward that goal. In this direction—whatever proposals you have—if we are capable of contributing, we will provide every possible assistance and support to the Libyan people.
We are also interested in this because a peaceful and developing Libya would guarantee peace and stability for half of the African continent. Rest assured—you have come to friends,” Lukashenko said.
In response, Saddam Khalifa Haftar thanked Lukashenko for the meeting and conveyed his father’s best wishes and hopes for Lukashenko’s good health.
Currently, Libya remains effectively divided. In the west, the internationally recognized Presidential Council and Government of National Unity are based in Tripoli, while the Libyan National Army under Khalifa Haftar controls the east of the country from its stronghold in Benghazi.
The two countries have recently exchanged diplomatic missions, which Minsk refers to as trade representations, while Benghazi considers them consulates. Libyan special forces units are undergoing training in Belarus, and a high-level Libyan government delegation has visited the country.