Siala holds series of meetings with US officials focusing on Libyan file.

Washington, 10 February 2019 (Lana) GNA Foreign Minister, Mohamed Siala held meetings with American officials to discuss the Libyan file. Foreign Ministry Media Office said Saila met with US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Kathryn Wheelbarger, at the Pentagon, where they discussed security and defense especially in terms of the fight against terrorist groups and enhancing national capabilities to secure the borders, and fight infiltration of armed groups and smuggling networks. The US official reiterated her government continued support to the GNA in these efforts including capacity building programmes. Siala also met with Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Francis Fannon, during which they discussed enhancing partnership in the oil and gas sector and future cooperation in renewable energy. Emphasis were made on cementing security and stability to secure oil installations to maintain oil production levels, the main source of income for Libya. Siala also met with senior director of US National Security Council during which security and challenges encountering the transition phase including the referendum and elections were discussed. They also discussed the challenges pertaining to the fight against terrorism, smuggling networkers across the border. The US official reiterated his country's commitment to continue support to the GNA in its efforts to drive the political process and continue to offer technical support to capacity building programmes in security fields and building of relevant institutions. =Lana=