The Minister of Local Government in the Government of National Unity, “Badr al-Din al-Toumi,” received the European Union Ambassador to Libya, “Nicola Orlando,” and his accompanying delegation, “to follow up on the progress of work in joint cooperation programs and projects and to discuss the challenges that obstruct the progress of their work. In particular, the “Support Project” was discussed. Libyan municipalities SML3“Support project, my municipality project.”
The meeting focused “on reviewing the difficulties facing the workflow of cooperation projects funded by the European Union, and discussing ways to overcome them and find effective solutions to them, in a way that ensures accelerating the pace of work and achieving the desired goals.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Al-Toumi expressed his “appreciation for the ambassador’s efforts to enhance cooperation between the two sides,” stressing that “cooperation relations have witnessed a tangible development since the ambassador assumed the mission’s duties,” noting that “there has been greater openness at the level of communication and coordination, which has led to higher rates of Performance in joint programs and projects.”
He stressed that “these efforts had positive effects on the progress of work in joint projects,” expressing his “aspiration to enhance cooperation to include new cooperation files, including confronting the challenges of climate change, and continuing fruitful cooperation in a way that contributes to achieving sustainable development in Libya.”
For his part, the European Union Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, expressed “his full commitment to supporting the efforts of the National Unity Government in promoting local development,” praising “the efforts made by the work team at the Ministry of Local Government to develop the local administration system in Libya,” stressing: “The importance of continued cooperation between the two sides.”
The ambassador also expressed his “readiness to work with the Ministry to overcome the difficulties facing joint cooperation projects, stressing that effective partnership is the best way to achieve common goals.”
It was agreed “to intensify technical meetings between the Ministry’s team and the mission’s team to closely examine all the difficulties and challenges facing the workflow of joint cooperation programs and projects and to propose appropriate solutions regarding them.”
The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Local Administration, Nasr Al-Mahout, his deputy, Abu Bakr Al-Trabelsi, the Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Organization Affairs at the Ministry, Shadia Oribi, and the Cooperation Advisor, Khairy Omar.
Last updated: October 30, 2024 – 15:17
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Nicola Orlando, EU Ambassador to Libya
Editor: Welcome, Ambassador Orlando! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Following your recent meeting with Minister Badr al-Din al-Toumi, can you share some insights on the progress being made in joint cooperation programs between the European Union and Libya?
Orlando: Thank you, it’s great to be here. The meeting with Minister al-Toumi was indeed productive. We reviewed the current status of collaboration, particularly focusing on the “Support Project” and the “My Municipality Project.” We discussed the challenges that have been hindering progress but also identified key areas where improvement is happening thanks to our joint efforts.
Editor: It sounds like there are some significant challenges. Can you elaborate on what these challenges are and how you plan to address them?
Orlando: Absolutely. Some of the challenges we face include bureaucratic hurdles, funding delays, and the need for better infrastructure in certain municipalities. We are working closely with Libyan authorities to find effective solutions, such as streamlining processes and boosting local capacities. Our aim is to accelerate the pace of work and ensure that the projects deliver their intended outcomes.
Editor: It’s encouraging to hear about those efforts. Minister al-Toumi mentioned a tangible development in cooperation since you took office. Can you share what specific initiatives or changes have contributed to this improvement?
Orlando: Certainly! One of the changes has been the increase in open communication and coordination. We’ve established more regular meetings and forums for dialogue, allowing for faster resolution of issues as they arise. Additionally, we are exploring new cooperation areas, particularly regarding climate change, which is crucial for sustainable development in Libya. This openness has fostered a sense of partnership and trust.
Editor: Climate change is indeed a pressing issue. How do you see the EU’s role evolving in helping Libya tackle these challenges?
Orlando: The EU is committed to supporting Libya in comprehensive ways. We are looking to integrate climate change initiatives into our existing projects to help municipalities build resilience and adapt to environmental changes. This includes promoting sustainable practices and investing in green technologies that can create jobs and improve living conditions.
Editor: Last but not least, what message would you like to convey to the Libyan people regarding the EU’s commitment to their development?
Orlando: I want to assure the Libyan people that the EU stands firmly with them in their journey toward stability and sustainable development. Our partnership is driven by mutual respect and a shared vision for a prosperous future. We are here to listen, collaborate, and support Libya in overcoming challenges and achieving its goals.
Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Orlando, for your insights and your dedication to Libya’s development. We appreciate your time today!
Orlando: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!