On Monday, Libya’s Minister of Local Governance, Badr Al-Din Altoumi, met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Libya, Güven Begeç, to explore avenues of cooperation in local administration and other areas of mutual interest.
The Ministry of Local Governance clarified that the meeting focused on opening new horizons for cooperation in various fields related to the local administration system, including urban planning, solid waste management, environmental sanitation, and planning for emergency events and rapid response.
The discussions also covered the restoration of some historic buildings constructed during the Ottoman era.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to draft a memorandum of cooperation and understanding to organize and expand the scope of cooperation to serve mutual interests and enhance local development efforts in Libya.
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.
