Stephen Harper looks to cash in on success in Libya’s civil war

In the post-Gadhaffi era, it seems everybody wants to be Libya's new best friend.

Countries are now jostling for position to reap the benefits of lucrative Libyan government contracts which could include everything from ministry rebuilding and infrastructure repair to oil contracts and arms purchases.

French companies are planning an official trade mission to Libya later this month.

Britain has planned no such mission until the conflict is over, but William Hague, the foreign secretary, promised the U.K. "will not be left behind".

Canada doesn't want to be left behind either.

Stephen Harper is expected to toot Canada's horn in Washington next week for a meeting with the aptly named "Friends of Libya" - a group 60-plus world leaders and NGOs who have pledged to help get the country back on its feet.

Campbell Clark of the Globe and Mail wrote that the meeting will give Harper a chance to "underscore the significant Canadian part in the military intervention."

Canada did indeed play a significant role in the conflict in Libya.

To date, Canadian military aircraft have flown more than 1,100 sorties over Libya.

Canada also deployed a frigate to patrol off the Libyan coast and enforce an arms embargo, while a Canadian officer, Lt.-Gen. Charles Bouchard, has been overseeing the NATO mission from Italy

Libya's charge d'affairs to Canada, Abubaker Karmos, told CTV News the country still needs Canada's protection.

"Canada's commitment will not go unrewarded," Karmos said, suggesting numerous construction contracts will be up for grabs.

To the victor goes the spoils.

(CP Photo)