Dr. Abdulhadi al-Hwaij, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan Government, held a meeting this Tuesday in Benghazi with Christian Cortez, Acting Regional Director of the IFRC for the Middle East and North Africa. The session, attended by Dr. Raad al-Hadid, Head of the IFRC Mission in Libya, focused on exploring ways to advance joint cooperation and strengthen coordination regarding humanitarian and institutional files in Libya. Both parties engaged in deep discussions concerning various issues related to humanitarian action and the pivotal role international organizations play in supporting stability and providing essential services throughout the country.
The meeting underlined the vital importance of maintaining continuous coordination between Libyan national institutions and international humanitarian organizations to enhance response efforts and improve mutual cooperation mechanisms. Discussions also covered the development of formal cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the IFRC, with a specific focus on implementing programs and initiatives in accordance with Libya’s approved legal and regulatory frameworks. Dr. al-Hwaij emphasized that establishing partnerships based on institutional coordination is essential for achieving national interests and ensuring that humanitarian programs yield sustainable and effective results across different Libyan regions.
Furthermore, Dr. al-Hwaij stressed that working with local partners is a fundamental prerequisite for the success of any international cooperation. For his part, Christian Cortez expressed his gratitude for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts in facilitating the missions of international organizations operating in Libya. He reaffirmed the IFRC’s commitment to ongoing coordination with competent authorities to ensure that humanitarian programs are organized and executed efficiently. This meeting occurs amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges in Libya, where international organizations continue to implement relief, healthcare, and community support programs. Both sides anticipate that the coming period will see increased partnerships and joint initiatives aimed at supporting local communities and enhancing the country’s institutional humanitarian framework.
