Libya’s PM welcomes opening of Spanish embassy in Tripoli

LONDON: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Thursday the opening of an embassy in Tripoli, after it had been operating from Tunisia, signifying strong relations between the two countries.
Speaking during a joint press conference with his Libyan counterpart in the capital Tripoli, Sanchez said the Spanish consulate would start granting Schengen visas to Libyans immediately upon opening and would facilitate the process of movement between the two countries, as well as increase cooperation on projects.
Sanchez said his visit to Libya came to confirm his country’s desire to build relations with Libya and cooperate in the construction and reconstruction phase, adding that the large delegation of businessmen accompanying him had held consultations to search for cooperation opportunities with the Libyan business community.
“We can affirm our desire to build strong relations and cooperate in establishing joint development projects between Libya and Spain, and we express our gratitude to the Libyan people, who deserve safety and to live in dignity,” he said.
“The Spanish community supports your march in building Libya and accompanying the UN in reaching the parliamentary and presidential elections on Dec. 24,” he added.
The Spanish premier also said his country supports the cease-fire in Libya, under UN supervision, and was ready to assist Libya in removing mines that impede the process of construction and development throughout the country.
He added that several agreements had been signed during his visit in the fields of customs, transportation, education, health, renewable energy, commerce and other sectors, “embodying the common desire for cooperation in all fields“
Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba welcomed the decision to open the embassy in Tripoli and said that the visit by his counterpart confirms Spain’s seriousness in building balanced relations and strengthening the presence of Spanish diplomacy in Libya.
Dabaiba said that Libya is looking forward to taking more of these steps and lifting the air ban on Libyan planes at European airports, especially in Spain, and granting visas to Libyan to students, investors and other groups.
“Libyans will remember these positions from their friends who stood by them in their plight,” he said, adding that Libya faces many security challenges, especially the cease-fire, the unification of the military institution and the reduction of illegal immigration.
Dabaiba praised the joint efforts exerted by the EU and Spain in achieving security in the Mediterranean, supporting Libya’s democratic transformation, and achieving transparent elections on December 24.
He affirmed his country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, reiterating that there are a number of common issues between the two countries that must be addressed.
Dabaiba also announced the activation of the Libyan-Spanish joint higher committee, which has not convened since 2008, and the re-evaluation of previous agreements and their implementation in as part of to build strategic relations with all neighboring countries, saying that relations with Spain can serve as a model.
Dabaiba  said several agreements have been signed, encouraging Spanish companies to return to Libya and expand their work, especially Repsol Company, and to enter into new projects such as alternative energy and others.
During the press conference, Dabaiba thanked Spain for its cooperation with Libya in recovering looted antiquities and called for more cooperation, and expressed appreciation for Spain’s readiness to help support the health sector and receive Libyan patients, especially those with incurable diseases, and a number of children with cancer in Spanish hospitals.