Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Libya Parliament, Youssef Al-Agouri urged Italian companies and city planners to participate in the reconstruction of the country.
This came in his speech during his participation in a workshop on “Reconstruction of the Old City of Benghazi,” organized by the Benghazi Municipality, and the Italian Consulate.
Libyan officials and investors from the public and private sectors, local and foreign businessmen, and representatives of international organizations participated in the event.
“Stability in Libya now helps to rebuild, establish, and develop infrastructure in all Libyan cities, and Italy is one of the leading countries in this field,” Al-Agouri said during his speech.
He said his participation in the workshop aims to send a message that Libya is recovering, and that the Libyans welcome anyone to help rebuild the country.
Notably, on Monday, Italy’s Consulate General in Benghazi, eastern Libya, stated that it was working to promote a closer partnership between the two countries, and facilitate the reconstruction of the old city of Benghazi.
The statement said there are about 170 buildings, some of which have been destroyed and others severely damaged by the conflict. This includes the historic Al Manar Palace, where Libyan independence was proclaimed in 1951, according to ANSAMED.
Another building is close to where the Italian Consulate General is located, which it said suffered extensive damage and is currently inaccessible.
The statement said presentations will be made by Italian academics and architects who are experts in restoration, urban planning, architecture history.
The experts come from the universities of Brescia, Rome’s La Sapienza, and Venice. As well as the Italy-Libya Friendship and Cooperation Association, and the Region of Emilia Romagna.
The press release said that during the conference there will also be a presentation on the ‘Made in Italy’ restoration supply chain, from tradition to innovation by AssoRestauro, ANCE, CNA, and OICE.