Bissau – March 12, 2026 His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan Government, Dr. Abdulhadi Al-Hweij, met with His Eminence Imam Anfali Kuti, High Commissioner of the Supreme Council for Hajj, Umrah, and Islamic Affairs in Guinea-Bissau, at the Council’s headquarters in the capital, Bissau. The meeting took place within the framework of strengthening joint cooperation in the religious and cultural fields, and in affirmation of the deep Islamic and fraternal ties binding the two friendly countries. At the outset of the meeting, the High Commissioner welcomed the Minister’s visit, expressing his appreciation for his recent visit to the city of Benghazi last month, which was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan Government. During that visit, he met with officials from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to discuss a number of issues of mutual interest. He also noted that Minister Al-Hweij’s visit to Guinea-Bissau had a positive impact on the local population, reaffirming his commitment to further strengthening and developing these relations in the coming period. For his part, Minister Al-Hweij emphasized the importance of reviving the longstanding historical ties between the two countries and enhancing cooperation in religious and cultural fields, in a manner that reinforces the bonds of brotherhood between the two peoples. He also announced a set of initiatives aimed at supporting Islamic affairs in Guinea-Bissau, including the dispatch of Libyan imams and preachers to deliver religious lessons and sermons and to participate in outreach activities, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan and other religious occasions. The initiatives also include laying the foundation stone for the construction of the “Omar Al-Mukhtar Mosque” in the capital, Bissau, in addition to organizing collective Iftar meals during the month of Ramadan in the cities of Bissau and Gabu, thereby strengthening religious and social ties and reflecting the depth of relations between the two countries. In turn, the High Commissioner praised the Libyan initiatives, commending Libya’s historical support to his country, and noting that Libya was among the first nations to recognize the independence of Guinea-Bissau—an important step that contributed to consolidating bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in religious and cultural domains. Following the meeting, Minister Al-Hweij and the High Commissioner conducted a field visit to the designated site for the construction of the “Omar Al-Mukhtar Mosque” to review preparations ahead of laying the foundation stone, prior to concluding the official visit. The delegation also visited Al-Salam School at the headquarters of the Youth Association for Social Reform, where they met with students and reviewed the educational and outreach activities provided by the institution.