Sánchez stresses Spain's support for Libya's political process

Tripoli (Libya)

The head of the Executive pointed out: "Libya is going through a historic moment and Spain wants to be by its side, as we have been from the beginning, supporting the stabilisation and reconciliation process. It is a time for peace, and the Libyan people deserve security, well-being and prosperity. To this end, further progress in the political process is essential".

Sánchez and Dbeiba took part in a Spain-Libya business meeting. The president stressed that the meeting "seeks to strengthen the economic transformation in the current process of reconstructing and reactivating Libya". The work of Spanish companies in Libya could include construction, infrastructure, renewable energies, agriculture and livestock, as well as hydrocarbons, an area in which they are already working.

Spain's commitment to Libya is evidenced by the fact that our country made five members of the Armed Forces - two from the National Police and two from the Civil Guard - available to the United Nations to supervise the ceasefire. The EUBAM Libya civilian mission, which has had a permanent presence in Tripoli since 2013, works with the Libyan authorities on security issues. Likewise, Spain, through the United Nations, will provide 100,000 euros for free and fair elections to be held - essential for the progress of the political process in Libya - and 50,000 euros for mine clearance work.

Sánchez recalled that Libyan stability "is key to peace in the Mediterranean and the Sahel". The Government of Spain is therefore working to bring the EU closer to its Southern Neighbourhood and to deepen its relationship with Libya on security, migration, economic and social development, and the sustainable agenda.

One of the key moments of the trip was the full reopening of the Spanish Embassy in Tripoli, including consular services and the issuing of visas. During the event, which was "full of meaning", President Sánchez pointed out that "it is a clear example of our country's support for the Libyan political process".

After the inauguration, the president concluded his official trip with a meeting with the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, in which Sánchez reiterated Spain's firm desire to deepen the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, for the prosperity, sustainable development and well-being of both peoples.

Eight Memoranda of Understanding

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando CalvoThe interest in relaunching bilateral relations between the two countries has been underlined by the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). The president and the Libyan prime minister initialled MOU on transport, agriculture, customs and higher education. The MOU on air, maritime and land transport will promote information exchange and technical assistance. Agriculture, which provides for cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and the development of the agricultural sector. The customs text includes the exchange of information to prevent breaches of customs obligations. The MOU on secondary education, signed by Sanchez and Dbeibah, promotes information exchange, student and teacher exchange programmes and the future creation of scholarships.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha González Laya, and her Libyan counterpart, have signed the MOU on political consultations, as an institutional mechanism for dialogue at a ministerial level, and on diplomatic schools, which promote collaboration and the exchange of students, teachers and experts. The seventh MOU, signed by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, seeks to develop and expand economic, commercial, scientific and technical cooperation between the related organisations and societies.

The eighth MOU, from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sports, establishes joint cooperation on cultural property, including the fight against the illicit trade in cultural heritage.

"I hope that my visit today represents a turning point and that our countries can work together in this important phase of Libya's history. The future is not written, it has to be built, and Spain wants to accompany our Libyan brothers on this path. Spain is moving closer to Libya", concluded President Sánchez.

Non official translation