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Iran's vice president blasts foreign interference in Libya, urges deeper bilateral ties

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 August 2025 8:15 AM

Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref has reiterated Iran's opposition to any form of foreign intervention in Libya, calling for Libyan-led solutions, while also expressing readiness for enhancement of bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and diplomacy.

Aref made the remarks in a meeting with Mohamed al-Menfi, head of Libya's Presidential Council, in Awaza, Turkmenistan, to which the former had traveled at the head of a delegation to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

The Iranian official reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's official stance in favor of "Libyan-Libyan dialogue" and called for preservation of Libya's "unity, integrity, and sovereignty."

Iran ready to share sanction-busting expertise with Libya

The vice president pointed to Iran's ability to transform "severe foreign sanctions" into growth opportunities, stating that the country has achieved "great accomplishments in scientific and technological fields." Citing Libya's own past experience with sanctions, Aref said Iran was ready to share its relevant expertise with the Libyan side.

Referring to the longstanding cultural and historical ties between the two nations, Aref stressed Tehran's willingness to expand cooperation, particularly in scientific, technological, and economic sectors.

He noted that the reopening of Iran's Embassy in Tripoli alongside the growing volume of trade had already reflected tangible progress in the bilateral relations.

The official also proposed reviving the countries' joint committee as a framework for enhancing collaboration, the process of exchanging experts, and high-level visits.

He emphasized the need for closer coordination between Tehran and Tripoli to help shape developments in favor of "the common interests of the two countries and the Muslim world."

Praising the "relative security" now present in Libya, the official expressed hope for a full resolution to the country's political and security issues. "The Libyan people are fully capable of resolving their issues and preserving their country's unity."

Thanking Libya for pro-Iranian, pro-Gaza stance

Aref also thanked Libya for its support during the 12-day Israeli-imposed war on Iran in June, and for condemning the Zionist regime's atrocities in the Gaza Strip, especially Tel Aviv's October 2023-present war of genocide against the territory.

Those atrocities included the regime's denying "water and food" to Palestinians, he said, and called for "serious and immediate action" on the part of friendly nations to prevent continuation of the "child-killing" regime's deadly crimes.

According to Aref, political exchanges between the countries would contribute to further elevation of their standing and pursuit of their shared goals across the Muslim world. He also invited al-Menfi to visit the Islamic Republic.

For his part, the Libyan official welcomed his talks with the Iranian official, calling the meeting an important step towards strengthening bilateral ties.

He stressed the necessity of maintaining reciprocal diplomatic presence in both countries to support long-term cooperation, and said, "We support the Islamic Republic in all regional and international matters."

Al-Menfi reiterated Tripoli's condemnation of the Zionist regime's attacks on Iran and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and government.

He affirmed that "the Islamic Republic has the right to be self-sufficient in energy production," and emphasized the Islamic Republic's potential to "play a significant role in preserving and promoting stability in Libya."

The meeting came as the North African nation is experiencing relative calm following drawn-out repercussions of the 2011 Western military intervention there.

The intervention took place under the pretext of humanitarian protection, but went on to sow rampant armed violence and instability in the country for years to come.