Libyan PM orders closure of 25 diplomatic missions to cut public spending

TRIPOLI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah on Wednesday ordered the closure of 25 diplomatic missions abroad and a reduction in the number of Libyan diplomats as part of efforts to curb public spending.

The decision will result in the closure of 25 embassies, consulates, and missions in places including the Vatican, Albania, Vietnam, and Seychelles, and merge them into Libyan missions in countries that include Italy, Malaysia, and Kenya.

The decision also calls for the formation of a committee to reduce the number of diplomats and employees at Libyan missions abroad.

During a meeting with the state-owned National Oil Corporation on Tuesday, Dbeibah announced the intention to reduce the number of Libyan diplomats abroad by 20 percent.

"We will close a number of embassies. This is an important decision for the people, and it will help create a surplus of foreign currency consumption, especially since these embassies consume large amounts," Dbeibah said during the meeting.

Dbeibah's decision comes amid growing calls to cut government spending in an effort to improve Libya's economic situation. Enditem