The city of Benghazi is preparing to host the Second Asian-African Parliamentary Council Conference on June 15 and 16, in a move that highlights Libya’s growing role in regional and international parliamentary diplomacy.
The event is expected to bring together parliamentary leaders, lawmakers, representatives of regional and international organizations, experts, and observers from across Asia and Africa.
According to Abdullah Bliheg, spokesman for the House of Representatives, the conference will be hosted by the Libyan parliament and will provide a platform for strengthening dialogue and cooperation between participating countries.
The gathering is expected to address a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, sustainable development, regional stability, and opportunities for expanding partnerships between nations across the two continents.
The conference comes as part of broader efforts to enhance parliamentary consultation and coordination on shared challenges facing Asia and Africa. Participants are expected to exchange views on political, economic, and security developments while exploring ways to strengthen cooperation through legislative institutions.
Organizers say the event will also feature specialized sessions focusing on the role of parliaments in supporting sustainable development, promoting peace and stability, improving governance, and addressing emerging regional and global challenges. Discussions are expected to generate recommendations aimed at deepening cooperation and enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary diplomacy.
The conference will also consider several institutional proposals related to the future of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council. Among the key items on the agenda is Libya’s nomination to assume the council’s presidency through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ageela Saleh. Delegates will also discuss a proposal to designate Benghazi as the permanent headquarters of the council.
Libyan officials view the event as an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s ability to host major international gatherings and to showcase progress in security, development, and reconstruction.