President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi (R) and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attend a press conference in Tripoli, Libya, on Feb. 24, 2025. President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi emphasized the importance of Libya-Somalia cooperation during the press conference on Monday following talks with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)
TRIPOLI, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi emphasized the importance of Libya-Somalia cooperation during a press conference on Monday following talks with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The two countries signed several cooperation memoranda covering investment, training, and education, according to Menfi.
"We affirm our support for Somalia as well as Somalia's important role during this period and our cooperation in international forums and organizations," Menfi said.
He highlighted coordination opportunities through shared memberships in the Arab League, the African Union, and the United Nations, noting Somalia's current position as a non-permanent UN Security Council member representing Africa alongside Algeria and Sierra Leone.
Menfi expressed hope for Somalia's support regarding Libya's territorial integrity, stability, and future parliamentary and presidential elections.
Mohamud underscored the historic relations between the two nations, pledging Somalia's support for Libya.
Earlier on Monday, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah met with Mohamud to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues.
The two sides signed agreements including visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and a political consultation pact between their foreign ministries.
Additional agreements covered urban development partnerships between Tripoli and Mogadishu, with plans to establish a joint high-level committee to review previous deals and discuss Libyan investments in Somalia, according to a Libyan government statement on Facebook. ■
President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi (R) shakes hands with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a press conference in Tripoli, Libya, on Feb. 24, 2025. President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi emphasized the importance of Libya-Somalia cooperation during the press conference on Monday following talks with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)
