U.S. expresses willingness to support state budget distribution in Libya

Two U.S. officials expressed willingness to provide technical support for state budget distribution in Libya, the U.S. embassy said Thursday, reports Trend referring to Xinhuanet.com.

U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland and Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Eric Meyer made the remarks during talks with senior Libyan officials in order to reinforce economic cooperation between the two countries and promote economic recovery in Libya, the embassy said in a statement.

"Throughout their consultations, Ambassador Norland and DAS Meyer stressed U.S. support for ongoing Libyan efforts to improve fiscal transparency, enhance coordination among state institutions, and ensure a fair and transparent distribution of the country's resources," the statement said.

"In consultation with our Libyan partners, the United States is prepared to provide additional technical support and expertise to address pervasive issues hindering budget distribution and ensure that all Libyans benefit from the nation's vast natural resources," it said.

Norland stressed the importance of such efforts to reach permanent ceasefire and return to inclusive political process in the country.

"Although a common vision is beginning to develop transparent and independent political and economic institutions that serve the interests of all people of Libya, there is still a considerable gap between the parties as to how to bring this about," the ambassador said.

Libya has been mired in a political division between the UN-backed government and the east-based army since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The oil sector, the country's main source of income, has suffered tremendous damage due to armed attacks on its oil fields and ports.