The Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohammed Al-Huweij, approved a series of regulatory measures during an expanded meeting held with the ministry’s affiliated bodies. During the meeting, the minister confirmed that the ministry has activated its integrated digital system and has begun employing it as a key tool for governance, oversight, and database integration. This will enable tighter control over the movement of goods and commercial activities, regulate import priorities in line with needs identified by the Ministry of Economy, and curb distortions that have led to illegal speculative practices. Al-Huweij stressed that the Ministry of Economy and Trade will exercise its mandates strictly in accordance with the law, without leniency or exceptions, emphasizing that the ministry will not hesitate to rein in speculators, price manipulators, and violators of regulatory rules. This approach, he said, will strengthen commercial discipline, protect the national economy, safeguard market stability, and preserve citizens’ purchasing power.

Sources from Al-Zawiya reported one fatality and at least two wounded among the clashing forces following violent confrontations that erupted in the Sayyida Zainab area on Friday night, noting that there were no reports of civilian casualties. Armed clashes described as intense broke out on the night of Friday–Saturday in the city of Al-Zawiya between formations affiliated with the Government of National Unity and others belonging to the Stability Support Apparatus, which reports directly to the Presidential Council. According to local sources, the clashes continued until the early hours of Saturday morning and involved members of the Stability Support Apparatus led by Hassan Bouzriba and forces from the 459th Battalion of the Defense Ministry of the Government of National Unity. Videos circulating on social media showed scenes from the fighting, with heavy exchanges of gunfire heard across neighborhoods in the area. Al-Zawiya branch of the Red Crescent warned residents in the Sayyida Zainab area near the clashes to remain indoors, stay away from windows, and exercise maximum caution until conditions return to normal.

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s MOL Group to explore future cooperation in the oil and gas sector. The agreement was signed in Budapest by MOL Group’s chief executive, Zsolt Hernádi, and the NOC chairman, Masoud Suleiman. It sets out a framework for information exchange and potential collaboration in hydrocarbon exploration and production, technology development, oilfield services, and crude oil supply and trading. Hernádi said Libya’s oil and gas sector remained a strong driver of growth, adding that the deal could help expand MOL’s international portfolio while delivering mutual economic benefits. MOL Group operates exploration and production activities in nine countries, with active production in eight, including Egypt, Iraq and Azerbaijan.

The 3rd annual Libyan European Forum for Transport and Telecoms (30 to 31 January) opened in Malta yesterday. The forum was sponsored by the Tripoli based Ministry of Transport and the Libyan Telecoms Holding Company and overseen by the Union of Libyan Chambers of Commerce, the French Business (MEDEF), and the Union of European Transport Companies. Several Libyan and French companies and national institutions specializing in transport, communications, and information technology were also in attendance. The third annual forum will discuss several projects, investment opportunities, and technical presentations aimed at developing and implementing strategies for the transport, communications, and information technology sectors in Libya. It also aims to overcome obstacles to the development of these sectors in Libya, in cooperation with the European Union.

Libya’s Tripoli based government reported yesterday that a government delegation, headed by the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and including the Chairman of the National Oil Corporation and the Director of the Office of the Minister of Defence, paid an official visit to Budapest, Hungary, at the invitation of the Hungarian side. The delegation held a series of talks with several senior Hungarian officials, including the National Security Advisor, the Minister of Defence, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, and the Chairman of Hungary’s oil and gas MOL Group. Discussions focused on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, security, and defence, and to develop mechanisms for institutional and technical coordination between relevant authorities in both countries. The talks emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships with European countries in a way that supports the protection of national interests and contributes to strengthening the capabilities of sovereign institutions, within a framework based on structured cooperation and the exchange of expertise.

Menfi was attempting to address Libyans’ concern and puzzlement as to why an oil exporting country is in economic disarray. It is a difficult and dangerous path because when corruption spreads, it develops protectors, networks, and beneficiaries. However, remaining silent about it is even more dangerous because it steals people’s livelihoods and their children’s future. – Corruption today not only steals public funds but also steals trust. We will cut off the system of bribery, brokerage, and unregulated spending.

طرابلس – The first Libyan Children’s Climate Summit will begin tomorrow, Saturday, in Tripoli. Its slogan is “Today’s Children, Makers of a Better Tomorrow for Libya.” The summit aims to raise environmental and climate awareness among children. It also addresses climate change and its impact on Libya’s present and future. It seeks to actively involve children in climate issues. Building a better environmental future for Libya begins with children’s awareness today.

Sirte – In a significant move to strengthen international relations and cooperation, the British Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Martin Reynolds, conducted an official visit to the city of Sirte today alongside a high-level delegation. Upon their arrival, the Ambassador was warmly received by the Director General of the National Development Agency, Dr. Mahmoud Elforjani, the Mayor of Sirte, Mr. Mukhtar Al-Maadani, and the President of Sirte University, Dr. Suleiman Al-Shater. During the diplomatic mission, the Ambassador and his accompanying delegation were given an extensive tour of several key developmental projects currently being spearheaded by the National Development Agency. These initiatives, which operate under the auspices of the General Command of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, are central pillars of the “Libya 2030” vision. Ambassador Reynolds expressed his profound admiration for the rapid urban transformation and the comprehensive service-sector renaissance currently unfolding across the city.

Chevron is talking to the governments of Iraq and Libya about exploration opportunities in the two Opec member nations, chief executive Mike Wirth said on Friday. Mr Wirth said discussions range from existing producing fields, exploration opportunities and improvements in fiscal terms. Chevron recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya's National Oil Corporation to explore development opportunities in the country. He added that the Houston-based company needs to see compelling opportunities for value in Iraq and Libya if Chevron were to invest. Chevron reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.52, beating the LSEG consensus estimate of $1.45 per share.

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Taher Al-Baour, held talks on Wednesday with the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and UN Resident Coordinator, Ingeborg Ulrika, on the latest developments in the humanitarian situation in the country. According to the government’s official platform, the meeting focused on mechanisms for cooperation in the humanitarian and development sectors to enhance responses to urgent needs and support development efforts. Separately, the Ministry of Justice of the Government of National Unity announced that Minister of Justice Halima Ibrahim had submitted Libya’s overdue periodic reports to the Human Rights Program to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, after delays exceeding twenty years for some of the reports.

Tripoli hosted the first meeting of the Research Group of the Euro-Maghreb Center for Strategic Research and Studies at the headquarters of the Libyan Higher Academy for Strategic Studies, in the implementation of the research activities under the (5+5 Defense) Initiative action plan, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on the 5+5 Defense Space: Threats and New Prospects.”The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, the President of the Libyan Higher Academy for Strategic Studies, the Director of the National Defense College, the Director of the Libya Center for Strategic Studies and Research, along with representatives of the Ministry of Defense. Participants also included the Secretary-General of the Euro-Maghreb Center and representatives of the (5+5 Defense) Initiative member states: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya.

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Hungary’s MOL Group has signed a new strategic partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), marking a fresh step in the company’s push to expand its international upstream footprint and diversify crude supply sources. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across hydrocarbons exploration and production, technological innovation, oilfield services, and crude trading. Under the MoU, MOL and NOC will exchange technical and commercial information and jointly evaluate potential projects in Libya, including upstream exploration opportunities and field-development technologies. The agreement also covers crude supply and trading cooperation, an increasingly strategic priority for European energy companies seeking diversification amid geopolitical uncertainty. Hernádi emphasized that Libya’s oil and gas sector remains a critical pillar of global energy supply, while highlighting the broader strategic implications for Europe.

Wahda Bank announced yesterday that it will be introducing soon “Edei”, the first palm-scan payment service in Libya. It said this comes as part of its pursuit of supporting digital transformation and providing advanced electronic payment solutions. The bank explained that customers need only and simply hover their hand over the payment device to complete their transactions securely and quickly, without any additional tools. It stressed that customers would need no card, phone, service numbers, verification codes, apps, or an internet service. Therefore, this raises the question of: if Wahda bank is to operate within the existing law, which biometric database will it be using for its customers?

MOL Group (Budapest, Hungary; www.molgroup.info) has entered into a new strategic partnership with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC; Tripoli, Libya; www.noclibya.com.ly). The memorandum of understanding was signed in Budapest by MOL Group Chairman and CEO Zsolt Hernádi and Masoud Suleman, Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC). The strategic partnership agreement sets out the framework for NOC and MOL to exchange information and jointly explore potential areas of cooperation. I am sure that this new agreement will act as a catalyst for further expanding our international portfolio, creating clear mutual value for both companies and reinforcing the resilience of our region. Consequently, it has recently signed cooperation agreements with the national oil company of Kazakhstan (KazMunayGas), the national oil company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), and the national oil company of Türkiye (Turkish Petroleum).