The newly elected head of Libya's High Council of State, Mohammed Takala, stressed the need to continue efforts to prepare for elections on Friday.

This came in his speech to a number of notables, sheikhs and tribal representatives in the city of Al-Khoms, in his first visit to his hometown after assuming the presidency of the Council.

He was received by the mayor, members of the municipal council, a number of notables, sheikhs and tribal representatives in the city during his arrival to the city.

Takala's media office said he delivered a speech during his visit "in which he stressed the lofty and national ambition of uniting ranks and working together in all state institutions for the prosperity of the country and achieving stability. He also described the importance of supporting municipal councils because of their important role in the advancement of the state."

Takala also toured the city "discussing national reconciliation, the restitution of rights, the administration of justice, unification of ranks and the need to continue efforts to prepare for presidential and legislative elections," according to a statement.