Libya and Oman to bolster bilateral energy and investment ties

Libya and Oman are reportedly looking at bolstering their economic ties in the fields of energy and investment, Moroccan government-friendly outlet North Africa Post reported on 12th November.

Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah reportedly met Oman’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Hilal al-Sanani, on November 11 to explore deeper economic collaboration.

Al-Sanani was claimed to have expressed great interest on Oman’s behalf in investing in strengthened bilateral ties with Libya. Dbeibah responded that Libya was ready to facilitate measures which would enhance economic collaboration with Oman.

Oman has recently unveiled visa schemes to boost investment across the country. Meanwhile, Libya has seen notable energy investments stemming from recent oil discoveries and the redevelopment of its brown fields. Due to Libya’s ongoing political instability following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya’s energy investments serve as the backbone to the nation’s economy. As such, Libya’s increasing interest in bilateral relations with Oman likely displays an attempt to further strengthen this backbone.

The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to rebuild Libya–Omani relations following Gaddafi’s fall, in which Oman’s diplomatic mission in Libya was abandoned in 2014, due to security concerns.

Although Dbeibah only represents one of the two rival administrations that have divided Libya for over a decade, his efforts to form strong diplomatic ties with Oman represent an optimistic focus on the country’s future.

Ultimately, Libya and Oman are entering a phase of tangible, practical cooperation that targets sectors of energy and investment in both nations. While there are roadblocks present in the current plans to bolster bilateral ties relating to Libya’s internal political landscape, the meeting between al-Sanani and Dbeibah marks a mutually beneficial investment for both countries.

North Africa Post, Maghrebi.org