In an exclusive interview conducted by Fawasel, the French Ambassador to Libya, Thierry Vallat, addressed a range of political, security, and economic issues shaping the Libyan scene at this sensitive stage, discussing the nature of Libyan–French relations 74 years after their establishment, and Paris’s vision for the future of partnership between the two countries.
He also addressed security cooperation and the presence of foreign military forces, the future of economic partnership between the two countries, and the role of French companies—foremost among them TotalEnergies—in Libya’s energy sector.
Below is the full text of the interview, in which the French Ambassador to Libya, Thierry Vallat, answers the key issues raised and outlines in detail Paris’s vision for the course of the political process, its position on security developments, and the prospects for bilateral cooperation in the coming period:
1. After 74 years since the establishment of official relations between Libya and France in 1951, and with your official assumption of duties in Tripoli, how would you describe the nature of Libyan–French relations today? What priorities do you set for strengthening these relations in the coming phase?
Relations between our two countries are very good, but they can be stronger and closer than they are today.
The mission assigned to me by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, is clear: to develop our cooperation to the greatest extent possible despite sometimes difficult circumstances, to support French companies wishing to establish partnerships to support Libya’s development and reconstruction, to enhance academic and cultural exchanges between our two countries, and to support all efforts aimed at reunifying the Libyan army and security institutions.
France aspires to strengthen our partnership so that it becomes sustainable and fruitful for both sides. But this will not be fully achieved except with a united, stable, and sovereign Libya. France has always stood, and will continue to stand, alongside Libya and its people. However, the ongoing division in the country, fueled by external interventions, prevents the strengthening of our cooperation to the extent we hope for. This is the message I convey to all my interlocutors: to move forward in the right direction, it is necessary to have a clear vision and achieve tangible results. We are aware of this, and that is why we devote a large part of our energy to achieving concrete results in several areas (consular, aviation, economic, security, political, higher education, and others).
In all cases, our principle is efficiency, and for any action to bear fruit, all concerned parties must play their role. This applies especially to bilateral relations, which can only progress if both sides see that they serve their interests.
2. In light of the complexities of the current Libyan scene, how do you assess the performance of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya? Do you believe the current UN roadmap is truly capable of creating the conditions for comprehensive elections?
For this reason, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya has adopted the right strategy, namely: (a) consulting with key Libyan actors, including Libyan institutions, civil society organizations, and Libyans on social media platforms; (b) placing Libyan actors at the heart of the political roadmap. It is essential that the electoral framework be defined by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, as proposed in the roadmap, and we encourage them to reach a solution in this regard.
This message was conveyed to them during the visit of the heads of the two chambers to Paris last December. Of course, we have not forgotten civil society institutions and other Libyan institutions, as is evident through the formation of the structured dialogue.
I repeat: the solution must come from the Libyans. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya cannot and should not replace them. This must contribute to the search for a lasting solution to the crisis, and no solution can be imposed from outside. The roadmap will only lead to elections if the Libyan parties are able to reach an agreement among themselves.
Ultimately, the solution to the Libyan crisis can only come from the Libyans themselves. The concerned parties. She is a person sincerely committed to finding a solution, and I have every respect for her. The strategy of Hanna Tetteh remains faithful. I would like to commend the commitment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, her dynamism, and her readiness to find solutions in cooperation with our goal: a political process led by Libyans and for Libyans.
3. What are the main political challenges that Paris believes are hindering the implementation of agreements and the unification of institutions?
The lack of trust between the parties is a real problem. Therefore, we encourage dialogue among Libyans as much as possible, within the framework of the structured dialogue. The most difficult matter is creating the safe climate necessary to move forward with confidence with all Libyan parties. I am fully confident that this is possible. In the end, they are all Libyans and wish the best for their country. There is nothing preventing them from eventually reaching an agreement.
It is clear that foreign interference does not help solve the problem: as long as some international actors prefer to keep Libya divided and weak to secure their short-term interests, we will face difficulty in moving forward. But here too we are making efforts to try to bring the positions of the international community closer together, especially in the Security Council and in various international forums, including the Berlin Conference.
4. France previously hosted the Paris conferences on Libya in 2018 and 2021 in support of unifying institutions and creating a suitable ground for elections. Based on that experience, what is Paris’s position today on international initiatives calling for opening a direct negotiation track between the main Libyan parties? How do you view the initiative proposed by Mr. Massad Boulos within this framework?
As I explained: creating a climate of trust to promote dialogue among the Libyan parties is the only thing the international community must do to achieve a fair and lasting political solution. As you mentioned, France has played this role in facilitating dialogue for many years. Therefore, we support every initiative aimed at achieving this goal, including the United States initiative led by Massad Boulos.
For Libya to be weak and divided is not in the interest of the Libyan people, nor in the interest of France; history has proven that this opens the door to human trafficking, terrorism, and regional instability. Libya is a friendly country and a neighbor, and we need it to be united, stable, and sovereign. Our position is constant: Libya has the right to regain control of its destiny, and Libyans are the ones who build their future.
Experience has proven to us that this is the only possible position. And this is what we have consistently advocated.
5. Does France intend to organize a new international conference on Libya? If so, what priorities might such a conference focus on?
France remains ready to host negotiations between the Libyan parties, as it has done before. But I would like to emphasize once again that whether these negotiations are held in France or elsewhere, what matters most is reaching an agreement led by Libyans that allows for elections that would strengthen the country’s security, stability, unity, and sovereignty. We will welcome all steps and initiatives that move in this direction.
6. What is France’s position on the Russian military presence in Libya? In your view, how does this presence affect the political track and regional stability?
We see this daily in Ukraine: Russia violates international law and does not hesitate to occupy territories by force. It is not trustworthy, even to its allies. The Syrian example is clear evidence of that.
It is not in Libya’s interest to be a base for the ambitions of other states in the region; our sole objective is Libya’s unity, stability, and sovereignty. This is also a responsibility of the international community, of which Russia is a part as a permanent member of the Security Council.
7. How does Paris deal with the issue of protecting Libyan sovereignty amid multiple foreign interventions and diverging interests of international powers?
Once again, dialogue remains the most important tool in diplomacy. We strive, in all international forums and in all our dialogues, to convince our interlocutors that the withdrawal of foreign forces and the reunification of the Libyan army are the key to respecting Libya’s sovereignty. This sovereignty is what will ensure border control, regional security, and economic prosperity that will benefit everyone. Therefore, we support all Libyan efforts in this direction, whether within the 5+5 dialogue framework or in international forums, calling for the implementation of the Libyan plan for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries, and foreign fighters from Libya, as endorsed by the United Nations in 2021.
This step is closely linked to relaunching the Libyan political process, which we fully support. I repeat: the political solution alone will enable Libya to permanently restore its sovereignty. This necessarily requires holding elections and unifying institutions, including the government, and will ensure Libya’s anticipated return to the international community, for the benefit of Libyans and the peoples of the region.
8. How does France view Turkey’s current role in Libya? Do you consider it an element that supports stability, or a factor that may contribute to complicating the political and security scene?
Turkey is a great country with a rich history. It is undoubtedly an important party with which we cooperate, and it has played a vital role in critical times.
On a personal level, I would like to add that I have a good working relationship with my Turkish counterpart in Tripoli, who is a highly competent diplomat for whom I have great appreciation and respect. I also know that Paris is fully committed to coordinating with Ankara and other concerned regional actors, foremost among them Cairo.
Working with all actors is necessary to achieve our objectives in Libya: reunifying institutions, especially military institutions, so that Libyans have the necessary conditions to exercise their sovereignty. As I mentioned earlier, this necessarily requires the departure of mercenaries and foreign forces, in accordance with the will of the Libyan people and international law. The division of Libya cannot justify violating its territory, by land or sea. A sovereign state, in particular, is the state solely responsible for its security: why should the Libyan people be deprived of this right?
9. How do you assess the security situation in Libya today, particularly in the capital, Tripoli?
The security situation remains volatile. We are pleased to see respect for the 2020 ceasefire agreement. First, because it prevents escalation of violence, of which civilians would be the first victims. Second, because it is the basic condition for relaunching the political process, which cannot proceed under gunfire.
However, the situation remains fragile, and the status quo in Libya is unsustainable. In Tripoli, the May 2025 clashes were particularly concerning.
Therefore, we continue to call on all parties to resolve their differences through negotiation, dialogue, and the political process that ultimately leads to elections. Violence is never a solution; it only leads to more unnecessary suffering for the Libyan people.
10. What is the nature of the existing security and military cooperation between France and Libya in the areas of combating terrorism, securing borders, and confronting organized crime?
In these sensitive and priority areas for both France and Libya, we have the right and the duty to combat terrorism and organized crime and to protect our borders. Because these areas are inherently international in nature, cooperation is essential, especially between neighboring countries. For this reason, our bilateral efforts are gradually intensifying, with a focus on supporting Libyan sovereignty within the framework of applicable laws.
Our ultimate goal remains the reunification of the Libyan army and security institutions. Therefore, we support all coordination efforts among the relevant Libyan authorities. Is it necessary to emphasize once again that it is in the interest of Libyans to enjoy greater security?
11. Economic relations between the two countries have witnessed clear growth, with French exports to Libya reaching about $321 million in 2024 and €262 million during the first seven months of 2025. In light of this development, what are the main economic opportunities Paris sees to strengthen partnership with Libya? How do you assess the interest of French companies, particularly in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, and services?
In fact, French–Libyan economic relations are witnessing continuous growth and are at their highest level in ten years. French exports to Libya increased by 50% in 2025. This is a massive increase covering many sectors: industrial equipment, services, and technology, all sectors that support the country’s economic diversification efforts. In return, Libyan exports—particularly hydrocarbons—remain a fundamental pillar of our trade exchanges.
This is the tangible result of a shared desire embodied in the organization of numerous conferences and trade missions. I am proud of this cooperation, and I am confident that we are capable of achieving more together. Naturally, the continued return of our companies’ engagement will be facilitated by a favorable business climate, including greater transparency in the management of financial resources for the benefit of the Libyan people.
Libya is a beautiful country, and the ongoing economic projects there embody a clear ambition to develop the country and diversify its economy toward greater prosperity. French companies express their gratitude for the warm welcome they receive from their Libyan partners. The presence of a large number of French companies at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in January 2026, where 19 companies participated (the largest foreign delegation), is a clear indication of the growing interest of French companies in Libya.
Our companies are proud to offer their expertise in the fields of infrastructure, energy, transport, health, and civil engineering, and they are right to be so! Many of them are outstanding companies that uphold our country’s name and fully meet the expectations of their international partners.
For our part, together with our counterparts at the Libyan Embassy in France and the organization “Business France,” we seek to promote trade exchange and, more importantly, raise awareness among our citizens of this wonderful land full of opportunities. The French do not know much about Libya and are always pleasantly surprised when they visit it. One of our missions is to encourage them to take the first step. And I must say that this is achieving increasing success.
12. The French company Total participates in the new oil bidding round in Libya; does this reflect a French orientation toward expanding investment in Libya’s oil sector? What guarantees does Paris consider necessary to ensure the success of these partnerships and achieve mutual and sustainable benefit?
TotalEnergies is a private company that does not need state support to successfully manage its operations in Libya. Nevertheless, it represents a model to follow and a driving force for many French companies. This leading company in French industry celebrates this year 70 years of presence in Libya and has recently signed a new 25-year partnership agreement with the National Oil Corporation.
This is clear evidence of the level of trust and loyalty that demonstrates what French and Libyan companies can achieve when they work together.
13. What is your message to the Libyan people at this sensitive stage? How do you see Libya’s future in the near term in light of current changes?
I would first like to tell Libyan men and women that they have a wonderful country, rich in everything. The Libyan people are friendly and generous. The people of this country have overcome many hardships because they are a brave and resilient people who show solidarity in the face of living or historical challenges. They deserve to live in a safe, united, and prosperous country. I am convinced that this goal will be achieved sooner or later; that is the nature of things. There are regional differences, of course. We have many of them in France as well. But what unites Libyans is much stronger than what divides them.
I consider myself fortunate to contribute to bringing our two countries closer. France and Libya are Mediterranean states, which means they share many values and interests. We are neighbors, and everything that happens in the southern Mediterranean affects the north, and vice versa. We are natural partners, and it is our duty to continue cooperating. This makes me very happy.
Libyans and French people do not know each other well enough, and I will tell you frankly: these two peoples deserve to get to know each other better!
