The Minister of local Government in the Government of National Unity, Badr al-Din al-Toumi, was accompanied by the Ambassador of libya to the Italian Republic, the Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Local Governance, the Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Association Affairs, and a number of directors of entrepreneurship offices in municipalities. An official meeting was held with the Director General of the Siam Bari Institute, “Marzio Reale”, and his deputy, “Biagio De Terrazzi”, in the presence of a representative of the Italian Advancement Agency.
The meeting came based on “an invitation from the International centre for Higher Agricultural Studies in the Mediterranean, within the framework of an official visit aimed at strengthening cooperation and partnership in the fields of local development, agriculture and technological innovation.”
The meeting reviewed “the horizon of joint cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government and the Centre, especially in developing development projects, exchanging experiences, and building the institutional capacities of Libyan municipalities.”
In his speech, the Minister expressed his thanks and thankfulness to the Director of the Center, the project managers in Libya, and the team accompanying the Director of the Center for the warm reception and distinguished organization, indicating the Ministry’s pride in the existing partnership with the Center, which reflects the common commitment to promoting sustainable development in Libya and the region.”
He stressed the Ministry’s aspiration “to develop this partnership through new joint projects, advanced training programs, and the exchange of expertise and experiences in a way that contributes to improving public services and promoting economic and social development in Libyan municipalities.”
For his part, Marzio welcomed the Minister and the accompanying delegation, expressing “the Center’s pride in the strong relations with the Ministry of Local Government and its readiness to deepen cooperation in the areas of local development, development of rural areas, and sustainable agriculture, using modern technologies.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, “the two parties exchanged souvenirs, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership and continuing fruitful cooperation to achieve common development goals.”
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What role does international cooperation play in local development initiatives in Libya?
Interview: Strengthening Local Development in Libya through International Cooperation
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today, we have the honor of speaking with marzio Reale, the Director General of the siam Bari Institute, who recently met with Libya’s minister of Local Government, Badr al-Din al-Toumi. The focus of their discussion was on enhancing cooperation in local development, agriculture, and technological innovation. Thank you for joining us, Marzio.
Marzio Reale: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and to discuss these notable topics.
Editor: To start, can you elaborate on the significance of the recent meeting between your institute and the Libyan delegation? What were the main outcomes?
Marzio: The meeting was pivotal as it established a framework for joint cooperation between the Ministry of local Government in Libya and our Center. We reviewed potential development projects, exchanged experiences, and discussed building the institutional capacities of Libyan municipalities. it reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable development in Libya and the Mediterranean region.
Editor: The Minister expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Ministry and the Center. how do you envision this partnership evolving? What new projects might come from this collaboration?
Marzio: We see numerous opportunities to advance this partnership. We aim to introduce new joint projects focusing on advanced training programs, technology integration in agriculture, and improved public service delivery. By exchanging expertise, we hope to foster economic and social development in Libyan municipalities, addressing the unique challenges thay face.
Editor: Agriculture and local development are crucial to Libya’s recovery and growth. How do modern technologies factor into your plans for sustainable agriculture in the country?
Marzio: Modern technologies play a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. By leveraging innovations such as precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and data analytics, we can support farmers in making informed decisions.This can lead to more efficient resource use, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of rural development.Could you elaborate on specific initiatives aimed at rural areas, and why they are essential for Libya’s overall development?
Marzio: Rural areas are often the backbone of a nation’s agriculture and culture, yet they often face significant challenges, including infrastructure deficits and limited access to markets. Our initiatives will focus on enhancing local governance, improving infrastructure, and providing training for sustainable agricultural practices.This is essential not only for boosting local economies but also for preventing urban migration and preserving cultural heritage.
Editor: As we move toward realizing these goals, what practical advice would you give to local governments in Libya to enhance their capacity for development?
Marzio: Local governments in Libya should prioritize obvious governance and community engagement. Building trust with the citizens they serve is crucial. Additionally, investing in training for municipal staff and leveraging external partnerships—like the one with our institute—can provide access to valuable resources and expertise. they should also embrace innovation, using data-driven decision-making to enhance services.
editor: what are the next steps following this meeting to ensure that the discussed initiatives come to fruition?
Marzio: The next steps involve detailed planning and execution of the identified projects. We will be working closely with the Libyan Ministry to outline specific objectives and timelines. It’s essential to maintain open dialog channels and regularly assess our progress to ensure we are meeting our shared development goals.
Editor: Thank you, Marzio, for sharing your insights on this critical collaboration. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these initiatives in Libya.
Marzio: Thank you for having me. I am optimistic about the future of Libya and the potential for meaningful change through our joint efforts.