Tripoli— A high-level delegation representing the Government of National Unity (GNU) continues a visit to Washington meeting senior officials in US President Donald Trump Administration, aiming to strengthen cooperation between Libya and the US and discuss political and economic issues of mutual interest.
On Thursday, the delegation held an expanded meeting with a number of senior US State Department officials during which “a number of strategic issues, most notably the GNU’s efforts to develop oil and gas production and its plans to increase gas supplies to meet growing global demand,” a statement by the the GNU said.
However, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC) of the House of Representatives the visit has criticized the visit claiming that it is an attempt on the part of the GNU to politicize the Libyan energy issue and undermine the independence of the National Oil Corporation (NOC).
The Committee said, “it condemns the absurd attempts by the outgoing GNU to politicize the energy file and use it as a bargaining chip to remain the de facto authority in Tripoli. This undermines the independence of the National Oil Corporation, which has the original mandate to oversee this issue,” according to a statement published on the Parliament’s Facebook platform.
The ENRC said it “reminds all international parties and partners of the Parliament’s decision to withdraw confidence from the government,” adding that the UNSC has warned against “the political exploitation of the energy sector” in Libya by all parties.
Commentators on social media warned the GNU of “surrendering” the country to the IMF, maintaining that Libya is a rich country thank to its abundant natural resources. According to the majority of the comments, Libya only needs a unified, efficient and effective government that leads the country to successful general elections.
Meanwhile, the Acting Minister of Oil and Gas Khalifa Abdulsadig met with Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President Donald Trump for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, and both discussed the strengthening bilateral cooperation between Libya and the US in the energy sector, said the GNU’s statement.
Abdulsadiq reviewed with his American host the GNU’s plan to increase oil production in line with global market expectations, as well as increasing gas export rates to support the stability of global supplies and investment opportunities in renewable energy projects, it added.
Also on Thursday, the GNU’s delegation held talks with senior officials from the US Department of Commerce to discuss prospects for economic cooperation between Libya and the United States.
According to the GNU, the meeting addressed partnership opportunities in the oil and gas, renewable energy, minerals, health, telecommunications, and technology sectors, as well as ways to create conditions for the return of US companies to the Libyan market. US officials affirmed their growing interest in the Libyan market, commending the positive changes in the business environment and their willingness to support strategic partnerships.
The GNU’s delegation to Washington was chaired by the Acting Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdulsadiq and included Mustafa Al-Manea, Chairman of the Executive Team for the PM’s Initiatives and Strategic Projects, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Trade for Commercial Affairs and a representative of the National Council for Economic and Social Development among others.
