Libya Reaching Out to Everyone
On Monday a memorandum of understanding was signed between Libya and Lithuania in Tripoli by Libya’s Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Shalgham and the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Davidas Malnonos. The memorandum was designed to increase diplomatic cooperation between the two countries in all areas “of common interest in political, economic, trade, scientific, technical and cultural fields.” Bilateral consultations will be held to discuss various issues both regionally and internationally.
According to the Libyan News Agency, during the meeting both foreign ministers agreed to start diplomatic relations by appointing ambassadors to each other’s country. Since Libya was removed from the United States terrorism list, they have been increasing their participation in the global political system.
In my opinion, this is a step in the right direction for Libya. Although the government is still technocratic in nature, by increasing its participation with the rest of the world, liberalization can slowly be brought to the country. It also sets Libya up to become a regional leader in the Middle East because of its association with other Arab states as well as its growing number of friendships with the West.
David Crowley
