On 24 July, US President Donald Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, held a meeting with House of Representatives (HoR) Speaker Aqeela Saleh, accompanied by the Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belqassim Haftar, and the Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Land Forces, Saddam Haftar.
According to the HoR, they discussed the latest local and regional developments, as well as ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Libya and the US in a way that promotes stability and supports sustainable development in the country. Saleh affirmed that the HoR is ‘the sole body elected by the Libyan people’, emphasizing it has ‘fulfilled its mandate by issuing electoral laws in accordance with those approved by the 6+6 Committee’, and has established a mechanism for forming a government to achieve elections. The HoR said that Boulos affirmed that Trump ‘is a man of peace and wants peace and security for Libya, praising the reconstruction he has witnessed in Benghazi and eastern Libya.’
According to Boulos, they also ‘exchanged views on Libya’s economic development efforts and ways to strengthen U.S.-Libya commercial ties. We also discussed the importance of advancing the political process and finalizing a unified budget.’
Boulos met with LNA Commander Khalifa Haftar, saying they discussed U.S. support for Libyan efforts to unify institutions, reinforce sovereignty, and chart a path to stability and prosperity through political dialogue. According to the LNA, they discussed the prospects of bilateral cooperation between Libya and the US, particularly in economic and industrial spheres. Boulos reportedly praised the efforts of the LNA’s General Command in achieving security and stability within Libya, stressing that this stability constitutes an essential pillar that contributes to maintaining the security and stability of the countries of the entire region.
Boulos said he also held a discussion with Saddam Haftar to ‘follow up on his important visit to Washington in April’. He said they discussed ways to expand cooperation and reinforce Libyan efforts to unify the military and other key institutions, reiterating US support for Libyan unity, sovereignty, and stability.