The minister visited Tripoli, accompanied by the minister for production recovery and the president of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee.

At the invitation of the Libyan people, the minister was the first foreign personality to address the elected members of the General National Congress.

He signaled France’s support for the new Libyan authorities that emerged from the first ever democratic elections in the country on July 7.

The minister met interim leader President Megarief, Prime Minister Zeidan and Minister-elect for International Cooperation, Mohammed Abdel Aziz. During these cordial meetings he noted the strong demand for France’s involvement in this country.

He expressed France’s continued support for the new Libya and our determination to establish a long-term strategic partnership in all areas. He announced the forthcoming formation of an interministerial taskforce devoted to Libya.

This visit aimed to strengthen France’s presence in Libya. Together with our Libyan partners and with our teams on the ground, the minister identified a concrete course of action.

Within the framework of economic diplomacy, the minister met with representatives of French companies working in Libya. Numerous concrete measures were identified to help strengthen our economic and trade relations. In this respect, Laurent Fabius especially welcomed the confirmation of the order for 4 new Airbus A-350 planes by the airline Afriqiyah Airways. At the request of the Libyans, the minister announced that France is willing to consider unfreezing the assets of the Libyan Investment Authority in France (estimated to be $1.8 billion).

The minister also offered French assistance to help re-establish security. Since the Libyans had announced their plans to organize at the beginning of December a conference on security in Libya with their main partners, the minister proposed hosting the conference in Paris.

This visit established numerous opportunities for cooperation aimed at strengthening the Libyan state, notably with respect to parliamentary cooperation.

Lastly, the minister extended an invitation from President Hollande to Mr. Megarief and Mr. Zeidan to come to France.