General Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army, discussed with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani several issues of common interest during the minister’s first visit to Benghazi. They also underlined the depth of the fraternal and historical relations uniting the Libyan and Syrian people. Libya and Syria restored diplomatic ties after nearly 14 years after Shaibani visited Tripoli in August. Talks discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand joint cooperation between the two countries, culminating in the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Libya. The LNA General Command said on Sunday that Saddam praised the role of the Syrian leadership "in achieving security and stability in Syria, overcoming the challenges faced during the transition phase, and working to restore normalcy and open up to the international community." He underscored the General Command's support for the Syrian leadership, and “its readiness to provide everything within its power to support the brotherly Syrian people to help Syria regain its position in the Arab and international arenas.” For his part, Shaibani expressed the Syrian leadership's keenness to support everything that would achieve permanent stability in Libya.
