In Riyadh, during a gathering on the sidelines of an Arab-Chinese summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in talks with Mohammed al-Manfi, the head of Libya’s Presidential Council. The conversations underscored a clear condition for Chinese companies to resume operations inside Libyan markets: stability and security must be ensured. This was the central thread in a discussion that touched on how international partnerships can support Libya’s recovery and future development.
Across the table, leaders from both sides examined how economic revival could be tied to a broader political process. The Libyan official emphasized that the path to normalcy would hinge on the collective effort to hold elections, complete ongoing transitional steps, and push forward on the road to comprehensive national reconciliation. The aim is to create a durable environment that invites investment, safeguards workers, and paves the way for sustained enterprise activity by Chinese firms in the country.
A summary release from the Presidential Council highlighted the expectation that Libyan stability would receive strong backing from both Arab partners and the People’s Republic of China. This support would come at a time when Libya has faced recurring power shortages and governance challenges over the past year, complicating the reconstruction effort and the renewal of critical economic activities.
Both sides signaled a shared interest in a role for China that matches its regional and global influence. The Libyan leadership expressed a desire for Beijing to contribute meaningfully to stabilizing the situation, enabling a secure and predictable operating climate for foreign investors. The prospective integration of Chinese enterprise activity with Libyan development plans was framed as part of a broader strategy to restore public confidence, rebuild infrastructure, and stimulate job creation as the country moves beyond crisis management toward steady growth.
Observers noted that the dialogue reflected a practical approach: political progress and economic revitalization are interdependent. By linking the resumption of Chinese investment and business operations with credible reforms and transparent governance, the discussion aimed to align Libyan aspirations with international cooperation. The overarching message suggested that Libyan authorities would be supported by regional partners and their international allies as they pursue elections, reconciliatory measures, and steps toward institutional normalization. This alignment signals a potential increase in substantive engagement from both Arab leadership circles and Beijing, recognizing Libya’s strategic importance in North Africa and its broader energy and security considerations.
Analysts emphasize that the discussions on security and stability are not merely about immediate business interests. They reflect a long-term strategy to create a stable environment where foreign companies can deploy resources efficiently and safely. The emphasis on political milestones — such as timely electoral processes and transitional governance arrangements — is viewed as a critical foundation for restoring Libya’s competitiveness and ensuring that international partnerships can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s recovery. As the summit concluded, the tone suggested a durable commitment to collaboration that respects Libyan sovereignty while leveraging international expertise and investment to accelerate progress in the coming years.
Finally, Libyan officials reiterated their intent to work closely with China to realize a balanced role for Beijing in regional stability. By signaling readiness to cooperate on security, infrastructure, and economic diversification, Libyan leadership conveyed a message of openness to structured, principled engagement. The dialogue, marked by mutual respect, pointed toward a future where Libyan institutions are strengthened, and foreign participation is aligned with the country’s reform agenda and public welfare goals, reinforcing a shared belief in a stable, prosperous Libyan state.