Libya Bosnia New Direct Air Route

On July 7th, meetings were held between Libyan officials and Senad Masović, Bosnia’s Ambassador to Libya, regarding the development of a direct air route to strengthen relations and reaffirm their deep historical ties, as reported by the Libya Review on July 8th.

The ministry emphasised the goal of the initiative is to support trade, economic and tourism exchange while making visits easier for officials.

Representing Libya at the meeting was the Director of the European Affairs Department, Abu Bakr Ibrahim Al-Touil, Head of the Southern Section Nadia Mohammed Massoud, and other officials managing Libya-Bosnia relations.

An official announcement for the direct flights is expected pending further consultations.

The importance of the fiscal benefits to the country from these direct flight routes follows the chaos brought on by Muammar Gaddafi’s deposition. In 2011 an uprising backed by NATO toppled Gaddafi’s government, leading to years of political infighting between rival administrations.

The economy in Libya had grown dependent on its oil, though the ongoing conflict harmed the industry, with instability in oil production and prices affecting not only Libya’s economy but also the global oil market.

With not only the economy suffering but the conflict has caused a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, leading to thousands killed and countless more displaced.

In December 2021, the planned election was delayed owing to infighting surrounding election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. The delay raised further concerns regarding the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.

Despite a current ceasefire, peace is tenuous with security, mercenaries, foreign forces and sporadic fighting being prominent concerns, alongside the crucial challenge of unifying the military.

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org