A delegation from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) visited the Benghazi Antiquities Office on Thursday, as part of broader cultural cooperation efforts aimed at supporting Libya’s heritage sector. The delegation was accompanied by Wael Al-Ashibi, Adviser to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives.
During the visit, the Benghazi Antiquities Office arranged a dedicated exhibition hall showcasing a curated collection of archaeological pieces that reflect the city’s rich historical identity across different eras. The display highlighted Benghazi’s cultural evolution, from its ancient roots to its more recent heritage.
Senior staff at the office, including Sida Al-Sarawi, Head of the Museums and Archaeological Storage Department, along with researchers Jalal Al-Obeidi from the Technical Affairs Department and Abdullah Eshteiba from the Museums Department, provided an extensive briefing for the delegation. They outlined the significance of the displayed artefacts, their role in preserving Benghazi’s material heritage, and the ongoing efforts to document, restore, and safeguard these pieces.
GIZ project coordinator in Libya, Yvonne Müller, expressed strong appreciation for the quality of the exhibition and the efforts undertaken by local specialists. She praised the commitment of the Benghazi Antiquities Office to protecting cultural heritage despite operational and environmental challenges, and stressed the importance of supporting such initiatives to strengthen cultural awareness and historical identity.
The visit forms part of an expanding programme of cooperation between local heritage institutions and international organisations focused on cultural preservation. It aims to enhance technical expertise, encourage knowledge exchange, and reinforce joint efforts to protect and promote Benghazi’s historical legacy.
