Al-Aqouri discusses with an Indian delegation prospects for cooperation between the two countries in a number of fields

Benghazi, June 30, 2026 (LANA) – The Chairman of the House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee, Youssef Al-Aqouri, met at the House of Representatives headquarters in Benghazi with the Indian Deputy Minister of External Affairs, Suresh Kumar, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Committee member Al-Saleheen Abdulnabi and the Indian Ambassador to Libya.

Al-Aqouri praised India's supportive stance towards Libya, particularly its support for the UN Security Council resolution concerning the financial audit of frozen Libyan assets abroad. He also expressed his appreciation for India's participation in the Asian-African Conference hosted by Benghazi, emphasizing that this participation reflects the strength of bilateral relations and the two countries' commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors.

Al-Aqouri affirmed that the Libyan House of Representatives attaches great importance to developing its relations with the Indian Parliament, strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two sides, and activating the role of parliamentary friendship committees. This, he said, would contribute to expanding the scope of dialogue, exchanging expertise, and bolstering bilateral relations. He emphasized the House of Representatives' commitment to the unity of Libya, preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its support for all efforts aimed at unifying institutions and ending the division, based on respect for the national will and fulfilling the aspirations of the Libyan people for security, stability, and development.

For his part, Foreign Affairs Committee member Al-Saleheen Abdulnabi affirmed that the current phase represents a significant opportunity to enhance cooperation between Libya and the Republic of India in light of the reconstruction projects underway in the country. He noted that Indian companies have had a prominent presence in implementing numerous development projects in Libya, particularly in the infrastructure and road sectors. This, he said, reflects India's distinguished expertise and capabilities in the fields of development, reconstruction, energy, health, and capacity building.

Al-Saleheen Abdulnabi expressed his hope for the return of Indian companies to contribute to reconstruction projects and expand cooperation in the fields of investment, energy, health, education, and capacity building. He emphasized the importance of opening an Indian consulate in Benghazi and establishing direct flights between the two countries, which would facilitate the movement of people and businesspeople and enhance economic and investment cooperation.

For his part, the Indian Deputy Minister of External Affairs affirmed his country's commitment to developing its relations with Libya in various fields and its support for Libyan unity and stability. He explained that the reopening of the Indian embassy in Libya has contributed to strengthening communication between the two countries and that the embassy is working to provide consular services and facilitate visa procedures, which supports the movement of businesspeople and companies and encourages the expansion of economic and investment cooperation and the exchange of expertise.

He also affirmed his country's interest in developing cooperation in various sectors, noting that the possibility of opening an Indian consulate in Benghazi is being studied, in addition to supporting efforts aimed at enhancing air connectivity between the two countries.

The Indian Deputy Minister of External Affairs invited the Chairman and members of the Libyan House of Representatives' Committee on External Affairs and International Cooperation to pay an official visit to India. He emphasized the importance of strengthening direct parliamentary communication and proposed developing programs for exchanging parliamentary expertise between the two sides, thereby enhancing institutional cooperation and benefiting from shared legislative experiences.

According to the Council's spokesperson, at the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue coordination, strengthen communication, and activate parliamentary cooperation between the Libyan House of Representatives and the Indian Parliament. They also agreed to support the role of parliamentary friendship committees and expand cooperation in the areas of investment, energy, health, education, and capacity building, contributing to the achievement of common interests and supporting development and stability efforts in both countries.

...(LANA)...