Bolivia-Libya: Allies Or Not?

Bolivia and Libya are allies, establishing diplomatic relations on 13 August 2008. Both countries are members of the Group of 77, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations. Bolivia is accredited to Libya through its embassy in Cairo, while Libya is accredited to Bolivia through its embassy in Brasília. Despite the coup and death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, and Bolivia's decision to expel the U.S. ambassador in 2008, both countries have maintained their diplomatic relationship.

Bolivia-Libya relations were established in 2008

Bolivia–Libya relations are the bilateral relations between the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Libya. Bolivia and Libya are allies in the sense that they are both members of the Group of 77, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations.

Bolivia and Libya established diplomatic relations on 13 August 2008. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Libyan ambassador to Bolivia, Ali Farfar, announced $80 million in investments. After this, Evo Morales, the Bolivian president at the time, attended the thirty-ninth anniversary of the Libyan Revolution, where he met with the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, in Benghazi. In Libya, Morales secured support for his government and democratic change in Bolivia, as well as more active trade, energy cooperation, and improved diplomatic relations.

Morales also secured Libyan investment in Bolivia's hydrocarbons industry, which was struggling to meet a commitment to pump natural gas to Argentina and Brazil despite substantial energy reserves. The secretary of the Popular Congress, Muftah Queepe, said Libya ratified its support for the revolutionary and democratic process Morales was applying in Bolivia. Queepe also praised Gaddafi's philosophy of Islamic socialism.

Bolivia is accredited to Libya from its embassy in Cairo, and Libya is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Brasília.

Bolivia and Libya are both members of the United Nations

Bolivia and Libya's relationship has been marked by a history of diplomatic tensions with the United States. Evo Morales, Bolivia's former president, has been publicly critical of U.S. policies and has accused the country of aiding coup attempts in Latin America and defining Bolivia's foreign relations. In 2013, Morales' plane was denied passage through several European countries due to unsubstantiated rumors that U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden was onboard. This incident further strained relations between Bolivia and the United States.

In contrast, Bolivia and Libya have worked together to promote democratic change, active trade, and energy cooperation. In 2008, the Libyan ambassador to Bolivia, Ali Farfar, announced an $80 million investment in Bolivia. Morales attended the thirty-ninth anniversary of the Libyan Revolution, where he met with Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi in Benghazi and secured support for his government. Bolivia also secured Libyan investment in its hydrocarbons industry, which was struggling to meet commitments to pump natural gas to Argentina and Brazil.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been active in Libya since 1976, advocating for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. The UNDP Libya Country Programme Document for 2023–2025 focuses on pressing national development challenges, including investments in sustainable growth, local peacebuilding, and strengthening democratic governance. The UNDP has supported the establishment of Peacebuilding Committees within the Departments of Community Development in South Libya, contributing to local peacebuilding efforts.

Bolivia and Libya are members of the Group of 77

Bolivia and Libya are allies, having established diplomatic relations on 13 August 2008. Both countries are members of the Group of 77, a coalition of developing countries at the United Nations (UN). The Group of 77 was founded on 15 June 1964 by 77 non-aligned nations in the "Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Countries" at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Bolivia and Libya are among the current 134 member countries, which share a common South-South ideology and seek to promote their collective economic interests and joint negotiating capacity within the UN.

The Group of 77 has chapters in Geneva, Rome, Vienna, Paris, Nairobi, and Washington, D.C. Bolivia and Libya's membership in the Group of 77 is part of their shared participation in various international organisations, including the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations.

Bolivia and Libya's relationship extends beyond their shared membership in the Group of 77. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Libyan ambassador to Bolivia, Ali Farfar, announced an $80 million investment in Bolivia. This was followed by a visit from Bolivian President Evo Morales to Libya, where he met with Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi and secured support for democratic change, increased trade, and energy cooperation.

The relationship between Bolivia and Libya has also been marked by their shared support for certain ideologies. During his visit to Libya, Morales attended the anniversary of the Libyan Revolution and expressed alignment with Gaddafi's philosophy of Islamic socialism. Additionally, as chair of the Group of 77 in 2014, Morales emphasised the importance of people-centric governance and the need to resist "capitalism and imperialism" to achieve economic development.

Bolivia and Libya are members of the Non-Aligned Movement

NAM has 120 members and 17 observer countries, representing nearly two-thirds of the United Nations' members and containing 55% of the world population. Bolivia and Libya are among the members, along with other countries such as Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. NAM's purpose is to ensure "the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of non-aligned countries" in their "struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference, or hegemony."

The movement gained traction in the 1950s and early 1960s, achieving major successes in decolonization, disarmament, and opposition to racism and apartheid in South Africa. It persisted throughout the Cold War, despite conflicts between members and some members developing closer ties with major powers. Since the end of the Cold War, NAM has focused on developing multilateral ties and connections, as well as unity among developing nations, especially those in the Global South.

NAM advocates for multilateralism, equality, and mutual non-aggression, and it emphasizes cooperation and mutual benefit among its members. It has played a role in various ideological conflicts, including extreme opposition to apartheid governments and support for guerrilla movements in locations like Rhodesia and South Africa. NAM has also been outspoken in criticizing UN structures and advocating for the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Bolivia and Libya have embassies in each other's countries

Bolivia is accredited to Libya through its embassy in Cairo, Egypt, while Libya is accredited to Bolivia through its embassy in Brasília, Brazil. This reciprocal presence of embassies allows both countries to have official representation and facilitates the conduct of diplomatic affairs, such as issuing visas, assisting citizens, and promoting bilateral relations.

The establishment of embassies is a significant step in fostering ties between nations. It provides a platform for direct communication, enabling the exchange of information, the negotiation of agreements, and the coordination of activities that benefit both countries. Embassies also play a crucial role in promoting cultural, economic, and political understanding between the two nations.

The presence of embassies in each other's countries indicates a level of cooperation and willingness to engage in dialogue, which can contribute to strengthening the relationship between Bolivia and Libya. It enables the two countries to address mutual concerns, explore areas of collaboration, and work together towards shared goals, such as enhancing trade, investment, and energy cooperation, as mentioned in the context of Bolivia-Libya relations.

By maintaining embassies in each other's territories, Bolivia and Libya signal their commitment to fostering a positive and productive relationship, even if they may not be formally designated as allies. The existence of these embassies provides a framework for continued interaction and the potential for further development of bilateral ties.

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