The General Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Eng. Belqasim Haftar, welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Libya, Izuru Shimura, along with his diplomatic delegation at the fund’s headquarters in Derna. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the fund and Japanese companies to support development and reconstruction projects in Libya.
Discussions focused on exploring ways to benefit from Japanese expertise in implementing infrastructure and reconstruction projects that would contribute to comprehensive development across Libya.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Shimura, accompanied by Eng. Belqasim Haftar, toured several ongoing projects in Derna, including the Port Bridge Project and the 2,000 Housing Units Project. The visit highlighted the progress made in these initiatives, which form a key part of the fund’s vision for revitalizing the city’s infrastructure.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of both sides to fostering international partnerships for Libya’s development and advancing reconstruction efforts across the country.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
