by Mr. Mohammed Al-Nasiri, Editor-in-Chief of G-FOCUS MAGAZINE

Mohammed Al-Nassery: First of all, we would like to welcome you, Mr. Mounim Masoud Elorufiy , His Excellency the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Libya to Romania, to the pages of G-FOCUS MAGAZINE. At the outset of this discussion, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Your Excellency for accepting to conduct this interview. Since 2011, Libya has witnessed radical changes at all levels—political, social, security, and economic. While the country has gone through difficult circumstances, the Libyan people have high hopes for building a modern state that is more open to the world and interacts with other nations based on mutual interests. Your Excellency, how would you describe the current situation in Libya, more than 13 years after the country’s transformation?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy : First and foremost, we welcome you to the Libyan Embassy in Bucharest. Undoubtedly, such meetings have a very positive impact in introducing, first, the political changes that have taken place in Libya and, second, the developments achieved in various fields. Before discussing the post-2011 period, let us start with a brief overview of Libya. As everyone knows, Libya is a country located in North Africa, geographically positioned between two continents—Africa and Europe. It shares borders with several countries and also has a distinctive geographical nature. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect in this context is Libya’s international relations in general, and its relations with Romania in particular. As is well known, the initial period following revolutions and major transformations usually experiences some instability, gaps, and fluctuations. However, thanks to the determination of our people and the will of the political figures present on the Libyan scene, we were able to overcome this crisis quickly, stand on solid ground once again, and renew our relations with countries around the world based on the principle of reciprocity. The country has gone through key historical phases, starting from 2011, through the years 2014–2018, and reaching 2021. In that year, a political agreement was signed in Geneva between all Libyan parties, resulting in the establishment of a Presidential Council responsible for leading the state. From this, the Government of National Unity, which is currently in place, emerged. This government, supported by the Presidential Council, has been working diligently to build strong diplomatic relations with nations worldwide—based on sound principles rather than personal agendas, political ambitions, or partisan interests.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Your Excellency, when did Libyan-Romanian relations begin, and what are the key milestones in their history?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy : Libyan-Romanian relations are very traditional, deeply rooted, and strong, spanning over 50 years. Libya was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic ties with Romania on February 14, 1974. Over the years, these relations have gone through multiple phases. In 2007, diplomatic representation was downgraded from an embassy to a trade and economic office, and this situation remained until 2010, when the Libyan embassy was reopened with diplomatic representation at the Charge d’Affaires level. The cooperation between Libya and Romania is extensive, covering various fields. The post-2011 period has been a time of solidifying our country’s foundations, paving the way for Libya’s true prosperity. This period also witnessed developments in diplomatic relations. As a result, diplomatic ties between Libya and Romania were re-established, and for the first time in history, Libya’s diplomatic representation in Romania was elevated to ambassadorial level. In 2022, I was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, making me the first official Libyan Ambassador to Romania. I consider this a significant achievement for the Libyan state, as it demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our diplomatic presence and fostering deeper bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Your Excellency, what are the key areas you seek to develop in cooperation with Romania?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy : Our focus is on three main areas:

• Economy and trade
• Education
• Media and arts

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Tell us about Libyan-Romanian relations in economy and trade. What is the volume of trade exchange, and what are the key areas of economic cooperation that you seek to develop with Romania?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: Libya and Romania have significant shared economic interests, especially in agriculture and livestock production, as both countries rely heavily on these sectors. Libya has vast areas of fertile agricultural land and a favorable climate, making it a leading producer of grains, particularly wheat and barley. Similarly, Romania has a comparable agricultural landscape. As a result, agricultural trade between the two countries is substantial and thriving, and we are focusing on further enhancing this sector in the near future. Additionally, we see potential for expanded cooperation in oil, gas, and renewable energy. If we consider the most significant milestone in bilateral economic relations post-2011, it would be the increase in trade volume, which peaked in 2018 with an average growth rate of 33%, driven by a 48% rise in exports. The trade balance saw an increase of 19.1% in 2022 compared to 2021, primarily due to the rise in Libyan oil exports following increased production. As I mentioned earlier, when the Presidential Council was formed in Libya based on the Geneva political agreement, the country entered a phase of full stability across all sectors. Since Libya still relies on oil as its primary revenue source, we boosted oil exports to restore them to previous levels, which significantly contributed to the growth of economic and trade relations with Romania.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Your Excellency, you mentioned the field of education. Could you tell us more about it? Also, what is the approximate number of Libyan students currently studying in Romania?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: We have a considerable number of Libyan students pursuing various specialties at Romanian universities, either through self-financed programs or government-sponsored scholarships provided by the Libyan Ministry of Higher Education for advanced studies in specialized scientific fields. Some students have completed their studies and returned to Libya, while others are still enrolled, numbering around 40 students, with the majority specializing in medicine and engineering. We are working with the Romanian Ministry of Education to secure more scholarships for Libyan students in Romania. This is due to Romania’s significant advancements in education, particularly in the fields of medicine and surgery, where it has established itself as a country with remarkable expertise and distinction. I have personally conducted several visits to leading Romanian universities across different cities to observe their teaching methods. I found that their approach heavily emphasizes practical, hands-on training and scientific laboratory work over theoretical learning. I highly commend the level of progress achieved by Romanian universities in the education sector. Additionally, we closely monitor the conditions of Libyan students, ensuring regular follow-ups and working to address any challenges they may face. We also maintain continuous and intensive communication with the Romanian authorities to resolve any obstacles that may arise. Furthermore, this month (January 2025), we will have a meeting with the Romanian government official in charge of university affairs to discuss the possibility of increasing the number of scholarships available to Libyan students.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: On May 30, 2022, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture and the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The agreement aimed to open new horizons for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and to facilitate coordination between businesspeople and investors from both sides. Your Excellency, what are the key achievements resulting from this agreement so far?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: One of the most significant outcomes of this agreement so far has been the increase in the number of Romanian companies entering the Libyan market. Between 2022 and 2023, we achieved a 6% growth in imports, exports, and overall trade cooperation. At least two Romanian companies submit applications to the embassy every month to initiate procedures for entering the Libyan market. This indicates a growing confidence among foreign business owners and investors that Libya is a stable and prosperous country. Moreover, Libya’s rich resources and vast potential make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking new markets. We also receive ongoing communication from the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other economic entities across Romania, aiming to facilitate Romanian companies’ entry into the Libyan market. As an embassy, we have provided all possible support and facilitation to encourage these companies to establish their presence in Libya.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Romania has major interests in the energy sector, having launched its Energy Security Strategy along with an extensive portfolio of projects that will have local and regional impacts. On the other hand, Libya is located on the Mediterranean coast, neighboring Europe from the south, and is rich in energy resources (oil and natural gas), which serve as its primary source of income. Your Excellency, are there any joint efforts between Libya and Romania to develop energy partnerships? If so, what are they?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: While Libya is one of the world’s leading countries in terms of energy production and quality, Romania possesses vast expertise, skilled professionals, advanced research centers, laboratories, and well-established companies in the energy sector. Thus, when we began our diplomatic mission, we initiated communication with the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Economy. Over the past year alone, we engaged in at least three direct discussions on developing joint projects between the two countries in the energy sector. In August of last year, we were contacted by Romanian oil companies, including Petrom Romania, which expressed an interest in establishing Libyan-Romanian partnerships in the oil and gas sector. Following this, we officially reached out to the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC), which led to arranging direct meetings between Romanian oil companies and Libya’s National Oil Corporation. Additionally, these companies actively participated in the Libya International Fair in Tripoli last year, and they are set to participate again this year. Through such events, these companies can showcase their services, products, and innovative solutions aimed at developing Libya’s energy sector. The Libyan National Oil Corporation is particularly keen on engaging with such companies. We maintain strong and ongoing communication between Libya’s oil sector and Romanian energy companies. This year, we hope to achieve significant milestones and tangible results in this field.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Your Excellency, how do you assess Europe’s role in supporting Libya’s political process? From the Libyan side, what is expected from the European Union to help achieve stability and development in Libya?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: As you know, the European countries bordering the Mediterranean are considered Libya’s neighboring countries, which is why it is extremely important for us to maintain strong and active relations with them. European nations responded positively to the February 17 Revolution and provided direct support, something we greatly appreciate and take pride in. This motivates us to preserve and strengthen these relationships. We welcome partnerships and cooperation with the European Union, but always within the framework of respecting Libya’s sovereignty. Undoubtedly, we need support, expertise, and guidance, as well as various forms of assistance from the EU to enhance Libya’s stability and progress. However, we always emphasize that such cooperation must be conducted with full respect for Libya’s sovereignty. It is also worth highlighting Romania’s response to the flood disaster that struck Derna and its surrounding areas in eastern Libya last October. The Romanian government responded immediately—on the second day after the emergency call—by sending five shipments of aid and logistical supplies to the affected Libyan regions. Beyond that, Romanian medical teams even came to the Libyan embassy and offered to travel to the disaster-affected areas to provide medical assistance and support. Therefore, Libyan-European relations are very strong and excellent. We respect, value, and work diligently to further enhance and elevate them to the highest levels.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: According to official statistics, the European Union is Libya’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 50% of Libya’s total imports from European products. Meanwhile, Libya holds observer status in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, which aims to foster economic integration between the EU and its neighboring countries by establishing a free trade area. However, despite all this, Libya—along with Syria—is the only Southern Mediterranean partner that has not signed a free trade agreement with the EU. As a result, trade relations between the two sides continue to operate outside a formal bilateral legal framework. Your Excellency, in your opinion, what are the main reasons and obstacles preventing Libya from signing a free trade agreement with the EU, similar to other Southern Mediterranean countries? And do you seek to finalize such an agreement?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: Personally, I believe that the primary reason Libya has not yet joined a free trade agreement with the EU lies in the political orientations that prevailed before 2011. At that time, Libya’s political leadership deliberately avoided signing such agreements or establishing strong relations with the EU, due to political considerations specific to that era. However, we are not here to delve into the details of that past period. Since the political shift in 2011, the situation has completely changed. Today, Libya’s leadership and Presidential Council have shown great interest in signing such agreements and strengthening relations with the EU. In my opinion, there are no longer any real obstacles preventing Libya from moving forward with a free trade agreement. I also believe that committees have already been formed to study the framework for such an agreement, in preparation for entering formal negotiations with the EU to establish a Libyan-European free trade zone.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Over the past years, armed conflicts, terrorism, illegal migration, and human trafficking networks have escalated, leading to security instability in Libya and the broader region. This phenomenon, in all its aspects, has become a burden and a real crisis affecting both Libya and the European Union. For this reason, the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) was established in 2013, initially as a border security mission, later evolving into a civilian mission focusing on capacity building and security assistance. Your Excellency, how do you evaluate Libyan-European cooperation in the field of security? Has bilateral cooperation contributed to effectively securing Libya’s land and maritime borders to the satisfaction of both parties? And what is Libya’s vision for a joint approach among relevant stakeholders to combat security threats that negatively impact regional stability?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: There is no doubt that the EU Border Assistance Mission played a significant role in the post-2012-2013 period. At that time, Libya was facing widespread terrorist and extremist groups that had spilled Libyan blood, looted state resources, and severely impacted the country’s political and economic standing. These terrorist organizations had deeply infiltrated Libyan affairs, making that period one of the worst phases in Libya’s history. However, thanks to the support provided by the EU Mission, we were able to decisively counter terrorism and reclaim stability. Nevertheless, the Libyan people’s uprising was the real driving force that allowed us to overcome terrorism and expel these extremist groups from Libya. Today, terrorism no longer exists within Libyan territory. The Libyan people, with the backing of the national military forces and international support, united their efforts to purge Libya from terrorist organizations. However, we still need international support, particularly from the European Union, in terms of logistical assistance and training for Libyan security forces to fully secure our land and maritime borders. As you know, we continue to face challenges in controlling human trafficking and smuggling networks, which operate dangerous migrant routes across the Mediterranean leading to European shores. This remains a critical issue for both Libya and neighboring EU countries. Addressing this challenge requires increased support, training, and resources, as well as active international cooperation to eliminate this phenomenon. We are still in need of advanced technologies to effectively combat human smuggling, as Libya has unfortunately become a transit country for irregular migrants. It is important to note that the vast majority of migrants attempting to cross from Libya to Europe are not Libyan citizens, but rather nationals from neighboring countries. Therefore, through your platform, I would like to call on friendly European nations and the international community to intensify their efforts and provide the necessary support to completely eradicate this crisis.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Several international reports have highlighted the increasing activities and crimes of terrorist organizations, particularly ISIS, in Africa. There are growing concerns that extremist groups are expanding their operations, taking advantage of ongoing wars in the Middle East and Europe, as well as the potential escalation of crises in other regions. Your Excellency, do you agree with these concerns? And what is Libya’s position on international coordination and cooperation in counterterrorism efforts?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: Yes, we fully agree with these concerns, as terrorist organizations thrive in environments marked by crises, wars, and political divisions—these conditions provide them with a fertile ground for expansion. The stronger and more unified a state is, the weaker these terrorist groups become. This is why it is crucial to maintain stability and security to counter terrorism effectively. We have experienced this situation firsthand in Libya. After the fall of the Gaddafi regime, terrorist groups exploited Libya’s political fragmentation to increase their activities. In fact, we were shocked to discover how deeply entrenched these groups were within Libyan society—they had weapons, control, and influence over key institutions, and even managed to infiltrate high-ranking positions in the country’s administration. Simply put, such groups cannot survive in a stable and secure nation. Therefore, we urge the international community to provide intelligence-sharing, security cooperation, and counterterrorism support to nations struggling with extremist threats. Fortunately, Libya has overcome this phase and has completely eliminated these terrorist organizations—they no longer exist on Libyan soil. We have also dealt with radical groups that disguised themselves under the pretense of peace and dialogue, yet had hidden extremist agendas. These groups have also been dismantled and no longer operate in Libya. Today, Libya is in an excellent phase, moving toward a prosperous future, where citizens enjoy stability, democracy, and a secure environment. We are on the verge of achieving this goal, and without a doubt, this progress will positively reflect on Libya’s international standing, stability, and relations with the rest of the world.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: Your Excellency, do you have any final words for the readers and followers of G-FOCUS Magazine?

Ambassador Mounim Elorufiy: I would like to express my gratitude to you for providing this platform to clarify certain matters that might be unclear to the public. I also extend my thanks to the readers and followers of the magazine. This is indeed a great opportunity, where you will find valuable insights on Libyan-European relations as well as Libya-Romania relations. We sincerely wish G-FOCUS Magazine continued success—you are delivering rich and excellent content that is worthy of attention and follow-up.

Mohammed Al-Nassery: In conclusion, please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation.