The Council of Benghazi University, headed by Dr. Ezzedine Al-Darsi, welcomed a high-level Turkish delegation led by the head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, İbrahim Kalın. The meeting also included Engineer Belqasim Khalifa Haftar, Director General of Libya’s Reconstruction and Development Fund.
The Turkish delegation toured the university’s faculties and facilities to observe major reconstruction and modernization projects currently underway. The visitors praised the significant efforts of the Reconstruction and Development Fund, which is working to upgrade Benghazi University’s infrastructure in line with international standards.
Engineer Belqasim Haftar provided an update on the ongoing projects, stressing their importance in creating a modern academic environment for students and faculty. Dr. Al-Darsi emphasized the fund’s pivotal role, noting that these projects mark a milestone in the university’s history and represent a significant step forward in improving the quality of higher education in Libya.
The two sides also explored opportunities for academic partnerships between Benghazi University and Turkish universities. Discussions included potential cooperation in academic exchange programs and benefiting from Turkish expertise in manuscript restoration and preservation.
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.
