Doha: Ten nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Turkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, have expressed their support for Libya's newly signed unified budget for 2026. This marks Libya's first national budget in over a decade and is seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing economic collaboration between Libya's western and eastern regions.

According to Qatar News Agency, the countries issued a joint statement commending the agreement's potential to bolster Libya's unity, stability, and economic prosperity. They emphasized that the full implementation of this budget is crucial for advancing financial stability in Libya, safeguarding the dinar's value, and protecting the purchasing power of its citizens. It is also expected to facilitate development projects, attract international investments, and fortify key technocratic institutions like the Central Bank of Libya, the National Oil Corporation, and the Libyan Audit Bureau.

The statement highlighted that the unified budget includes the National Oil Corporation's first operational budget in years, along with provisions for increasing energy production. It also incorporates oversight mechanisms to ensure efficient use of funds. The anticipated boost in oil and gas production is expected to enhance prosperity for Libyans and their international partners, while contributing to regional and global energy security.

Moreover, the nations reiterated their support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the roadmap set forth by UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh. They urged all stakeholders to leverage this roadmap and UNSMIL's facilitation to progress towards a Libyan-led political process, culminating in unified governance and national elections. The statement concluded by asserting that economic integration will reinforce the political process, underlining that a stable and prosperous Libya with unified institutions is in the interest of all.