Libya Roundup: Energy summit, hospital operations, Israel lawsuit
Libyan Energy and Economic Summit
The Libyan Energy and Economic Summit in Tripoli saw over 1,300 participants from 30 countries, including Turkey, Italy, Spain, France, Algeria, and leading oil, gas, and renewable energy companies. The Libyan Government of National Unity reviewed its renewable energy strategy and plans to implement a 500-megawatt solar energy plant. Meetings were held between Libyan officials and representatives of the energy companies to discuss cooperation in exploration and production development, the Libya Observer reported.
Resumption of operations by state sector
After a ten-year break by the state sector, Al-Khadra Hospital, a public healthcare facility in Tripoli, conducted a difficult operation on a three-year-old child on January 15 who had a dislocated hip joint. A complicated procedure like this was usually only performed in the private sector, according to the Libya Herald. The resumption of operations by the state sector is part of the Libyan government's "Localisation of Healthcare" policy which aims to resume local healthcare provision instead of sending patients abroad or forcing private payment, the Libya Herald reported.
Legal action against Israel
Libya's ambassador to the Netherlands, Ziyad Daghim, announced that a Libyan team will present a case against Israel for its crimes in the Gaza Strip at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on February 22, the Libya Observer reports. The case follows a South African case accusing Israel of genocide crimes in the war on Gaza. Daghim emphasized South Africa's historic humanitarian position and confirmed that Libya had already joined the legal proceedings.
Return of Japan embassy
The Japanese Embassy in Libya resumed work in Tripoli on a limited basis after the ending of operations in 2014. The embassy aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with Libya and complete visa issuance procedures from its embassies in Tunisia, Egypt, and Istanbul, the Libyan News Agency reports. The Libyan government after a meeting between its representative and the Chargé d'Affairs of the Japanese Embassy in Libya, Masaki Amadera expressed delight in the steps made by the Japanese to strengthen relations between the two states, the state agency reported.
Turkey's energy contribution
Turkey has offered to contribute to energy infrastructure projects in Libya, aiming to improve cooperation relations in the field, the Libya Observer reported. Alparslan Bayraktar, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources for Turkey, said during his attendance at the Libya Energy and Economic Summit that there have been 500 years of Turkish-Libyan relations and that the two nations will continue to collaborate in several areas, such as energy, mines, electricity, and oil and gas. According to the minister, Turkey is encouraging its businesses to make investments in Libya since the country's resources will have a major impact on the growth of the Libyan people.
