Libyan and Italian officials have discussed expanding cooperation on the reconstruction of Benghazi, with a particular focus on restoring historic buildings and advancing major urban development projects in the city’s Sabri district and central areas.
According to the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund, Mohamed Al-Hassadi, Chairman of the Sabri and Central Benghazi Reconstruction Committee, met Filippo Colombo, Italy’s Consul General in Benghazi, at the committee’s headquarters.
The meeting was held as part of ongoing efforts overseen by Belgassem Haftar, Director General of the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund, to accelerate reconstruction projects and strengthen international partnerships supporting Libya’s post-conflict recovery.
During the talks, the two sides reviewed the latest progress on the Sabri and Central Benghazi reconstruction programme, one of the country’s largest urban redevelopment initiatives. Discussions focused on the project’s comprehensive master plan, which includes upgrading infrastructure, redeveloping the city’s waterfront and preserving Benghazi’s historic architectural heritage.
Officials also examined ways to expand technical cooperation between Libya and Italy, particularly in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings constructed in the Italian architectural style. The discussions explored opportunities to benefit from Italian expertise in heritage conservation while ensuring that restoration work complies with internationally recognised engineering and technical standards.
The reconstruction programme forms part of a wider strategy led by the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund to rebuild damaged urban areas, modernise public infrastructure and improve living conditions across eastern Libya.
Italian companies and specialists have long been involved in engineering, infrastructure and heritage restoration projects in Libya, and both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in these sectors.
The meeting reflects Libya’s broader efforts to attract international expertise and investment to support reconstruction projects following years of conflict.
Officials said closer cooperation with Italy could contribute to preserving Benghazi’s historic identity while advancing large-scale redevelopment projects designed to enhance infrastructure, stimulate economic activity and support the city’s long-term recovery.
