The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee in the House of Representatives, Youssef Al-Aqouri, met with the Canadian Ambassador to Libya, Isabelle Savard, accompanied by Peter Bundy, First Secretary, and Stephanie Dumas, Counselor at the Canadian Embassy, at the headquarters of the House of Representatives in the city of Benghazi.
The two sides exchanged views on the latest local and international political developments, as well as the previous Bank of Libya crisis and how it was addressed. Al-Aqouri welcomed the ambassador, stressing his keenness to strengthen relations with Canada in all fields. He extended his thanks to the Canadian embassy for its support to humanitarian organizations during the Daniel crisis, noting the depth of Relations between the two countries.”
Al-Aqouri stressed his rejection of external interference in the internal affairs of Libya, stressing the departure of all foreign forces from the country, pointing to the importance of continuous coordination and enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields, calling for the development of a cooperation program with the Canadian Parliament to benefit from Canadian parliamentary expertise, and also demanded by opening the Canadian embassy and consulate in the city of Tripoli and Benghazi to enhance coordination and facilitate travel procedures for Libyan citizens, which will reflect positively on the relations between our two countries, extending an invitation to Canadian companies to contribute to building And reconstruction in Libya.”
For her part, Isabelle Savard affirmed, “the desire of the Canadian side to strengthen relations with Libya in all fields, and renewed her country’s keenness to support the stability of Libya and the aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy and economic prosperity.”
Last updated: December 2,2024 – 23:15
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What are the key challenges in strengthening Libyan-Canadian relations discussed in the interview with Youssef Al-Aqouri?
Interview with Youssef Al-Aqouri on Strengthening Libyan-Canadian Relations
Date: December 2, 2024
Editor of Time.news: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Youssef Al-Aqouri, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee in LibyaS House of Representatives. Mr. Al-Aqouri recently met with the Canadian Ambassador to Libya, Isabelle Savard, to discuss key political developments and enhance bilateral relations. Welcome, Mr. Al-Aqouri!
Q: Mr. Al-Aqouri,thank you for joining us. Can you share some insights from your recent meeting with Ambassador Isabelle Savard? What were the main topics discussed?
Youssef Al-Aqouri: Thank you for having me. In our meeting, we exchanged views on various pressing matters, including the latest political developments both locally and internationally. We specifically addressed the previous crisis surrounding the Bank of Libya and how it was mitigated. Our discussions emphasized the importance of deepening our bilateral relations, especially in the wake of recent humanitarian challenges.
Q: You mentioned the importance of strengthening relations with Canada. What specific areas do you believe should be prioritized in this partnership?
Youssef Al-aqouri: Absolutely. I see immense potential in various fields, especially in humanitarian, political, and economic sectors. We are keen on establishing a cooperation program with the Canadian Parliament to leverage their expertise. Additionally, facilitating the opening of Canadian embassies and consulates in both Tripoli and Benghazi would enhance coordination and ease travel for Libyan citizens. Such actions would certainly foster closer ties.
Q: During your discussions, how did you address the concern of foreign interference in Libya’s internal affairs?
Youssef Al-Aqouri: I was explicit in expressing Libya’s position. We categorically reject any form of external interference in our affairs. It is crucial for all foreign forces to exit Libya, allowing us to pursue a sovereign path towards stability. I stressed the importance of continuous coordination between our countries to create a peaceful and prosperous Libya.
Q: Ambassador Savard reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to support Libya’s stability and democracy. From your viewpoint, what steps can Canada take to assist Libya effectively?
Youssef Al-Aqouri: Canada can play a pivotal role by expanding it’s support to humanitarian organizations given the ongoing crises. Moreover, Canadian businesses are encouraged to invest in rebuilding efforts in Libya. Their expertise in various sectors can significantly contribute to economic recovery and prosperity for the Libyan people.
Q: What would you say to Libyan citizens regarding the developments in relations with Canada?
Youssef Al-Aqouri: I would encourage our citizens to remain optimistic about the advancements in our foreign relations.Strengthening our ties with Canada will not only facilitate travel and international cooperation but also create opportunities for economic growth. There’s a shared commitment to stability, democracy, and shared prosperity.
Q: Lastly, what is your vision for the future of libyan-Canadian relations?
Youssef Al-Aqouri: I envision a robust partnership where both nations collaborate on various fronts—politically, economically, and culturally. By working together, we can tackle common challenges and cultivate a diplomatic relationship that benefits our peoples.
Editor of Time.news: Thank you, Mr. Al-Aqouri, for your time and insights. We look forward to seeing how the cooperation between Libya and canada evolves in the coming years.