Over 180 international and Arab companies are gathering in Benghazi, for the ‘International Conference for the Reconstruction of Derna and Damaged Cities.’
The event, scheduled for 1-2 November, has attracted diplomatic and government representatives from across the globe.
The event was marked by the arrival of more than 130 participants from neighbouring nations, including Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
Libya’s Parliament-designated government, led by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, along with the General Command of the Libyan National Army (LNA), is hosting this crucial gathering.
Notably, a high-level Turkish diplomatic delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz and Turkish Ambassador Canan Yilmaz, will actively participate in the conference.
Among the participating countries are prominent global players such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Romania, France, and Belarus.
As the conference unfolds, discussions are expected to focus on key strategies and collaboration mechanisms, which will drive the reconstruction process forward.
On Sunday, Hammad led an extensive planning session with the conference’s preparatory committee. The meeting, held at the Cabinet Office, focused on ensuring seamless logistics for the attendees, and fine-tuning the event’s agenda.
Among the attendees were Foreign Minister Abdel-Hadi Al-Hwaij, Deputy Minister of the Interior Faraj Aqaim, Chief of Internal Security General Osama Darsi, Head of Tariq bin Ziad Services Agency Jabril Badri, and Saqr Al-Jibani, Head of the conference’s preparatory committee.
According to an official release, Hammad received comprehensive briefings on the groundwork laid out by the preparatory committees. He highlighted the need for meticulous planning to ensure the event’s success. The primary goal is to develop Derna, and other affected cities after the deadly floods.
On 10 September, a devastating storm swept through several eastern regions of Libya, notably the cities of Derna, Benghazi, Al-Bayda, Al-Marj, and Sousse, last month. This resulted in significant destruction and led to the loss of thousands of lives, injuries, and missing individuals.