Libya eyes return of Chinese businesses

By Mohammad Erteima

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) – Head of Libya’s Presidency Council Mohamed Menfi on Saturday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Saudi capital to discuss Chinese businesses in war-torn Libya.

A statement by Menfi’s office said the talks between the two sides took up the return of Chinese companies to work in Libya.

Xi linked the return of the Chinese companies to Libya to achieving stability and security in the country, the statement said.

"Achieving stability and security requires the support of China in order to go ahead with holding elections, ending the transitional period and achieving comprehensive national reconciliation," Menfi said.

The Chinese president is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia where he held summit talks with Saudi officials on boosting bilateral ties. Xi also attended the first GCC-China summit held in Riyadh.

Oil-rich Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted after four decades in power.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar