Libyan Parliament Speaker urges US to boost reconstruction efforts

Libyan Parliament Speaker Ageela Saleh has called for the swift establishment of a Libyan-American forum to foster development and reconstruction in the North African nation.

Mr Saleh, who recently met with senior US officials in Washington, stressed the importance of strategic partnerships between the two countries. He highlighted the recent visit of Libya’s Reconstruction and Development Fund Director, Belgasem Haftar, to the US, where he invited American companies to participate in major infrastructure projects.

During his visit to the US State Department, Mr Saleh engaged in discussions with Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, and US Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland.

The talks centred on resolving Libya’s ongoing political crisis and the need for international support to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. The US officials commended the House of Representatives and High State Council for their efforts in addressing the recent crisis at the Libyan Central Bank, which threatened to destabilise the country’s economy.

Mr Bass emphasised the importance of appointing a competent board to lead the Central Bank and restore confidence with international financial institutions. Ms Leaf expressed optimism for fruitful cooperation following Mr Saleh’s visit.