Emirates backs Libya's new national unity government

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, received Libya's interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeiba in the UAE capital on Wednesday evening. He "renewed his support for the new executive authority in Libya and its efforts to establish peace and stability". In this meeting they discussed ways to enhance fraternal relations between the UAE and Libya in various fields with the best interests of the two countries in mind. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Libyan Prime Minister briefed him on this visit on the latest developments in Libya and the efforts made in the current transitional period to restore security and stability and help state departments to continue efforts to push forward the development and reconstruction process along with preparing for elections.

Sheikh Mohammed wished the Libyan people every success in fulfilling their aspirations for stability, peace and prosperity. He also congratulated Dbeiba on the confidence of the Libyan House of Representatives in him and his government, wishing him success in carrying out his great national mission during this critical period of his country's history. He also sent his greetings to the Libyan people who, he said, are eager to open a new era of stability and national unity after the difficult years they have been through.

For his part, Dbeiba thanked Sheikh Mohammed for the warm reception and said Libya looks forward to developing its relations with the UAE and establishing comprehensive strategic partnerships in various domains, including development, investment, economy and security. He added that Libya hopes to learn from the successful development model adopted by the UAE.

The UAE announced last January that it was willing to work closely with the administration of US President Joe Biden to achieve a peaceful solution to the Libyan conflict.

The January statement followed a virtual Security Council meeting on Libya, during which the US called on "all outside parties, to include Russia, Turkey, and the UAE, to respect Libyan sovereignty and immediately cease all military intervention in Libya".

Previously, the UAE was, with Egypt and Russia, one of the main backers of Khalifa Haftar, the former dictator based in the east in his failed attempt to overthrow the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli.

In March, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a statement demanding the withdrawal of all foreign troops and mercenaries from Libya. The world body estimates there were 20,000 in the country in December. Libya has been ravaged by bloodshed since the overthrow and assassination of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed revolt in 2011. A number of armed groups emerged to fill the vacuum, with many uniting around Haftar or the GNA.

Following the House of Representatives' approval of the new Government of National Unity, many countries have decided to show their support for the executive that is responsible for stabilising the country. One of the most notorious has been Italy. Prime Minister Mario Draghi travelled to Libya on Tuesday to support the government of Abdul Hamid Dbeiba, whom he met as soon as he landed in Tripoli. 

Finally, the Sheikh pointed out during the meeting that his country expects a unified international stance towards Libya based on securing the common interest of the country in a way that reinforces the prospects of stability and security and guarantees Libya's sovereignty over all its territories. "It was an honour to meet our brother Abdul Hamid Dbeiba, Prime Minister of Libya's Government of National Unity. Libya will overcome its challenges and we stand by the Libyan people at this critical moment. Hopefully the new roadmap will lead to stability and unity," tweeted Sheikh Mohammed.