The Director General of Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belqasem Haftar, met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome on Wednesday to discuss enhanced cooperation in development and reconstruction projects.
According to the fund’s media office, the meeting focused on expanding collaboration between Libya and Italy across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, transport, and air cargo services. A key agenda item was the resumption of direct flights between Libya and Italy.
Both sides agreed to establish specialized technical committees to oversee the implementation of agreed-upon projects and to create executive frameworks for a joint strategic work plan between the two nations.
This meeting underscores Libya’s efforts to attract international partnerships for its reconstruction and modernization drive, reinforcing the country’s long-term economic stability and growth.
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.
