Libyan Foreign Minister Abd al-Hadi al-Hawaij has called on the Egyptian leadership, known for its regional and international influence, to organize an international conference for the reconstruction of the city of Derna and other damaged areas in Libya due to the severe impact of Hurricane Daniel.
In an interview with “Radio Egypt,” al-Huwaij emphasized that the Libyan government and the House of Representatives have allocated 10 billion Libyan dinars for reconstruction and damage repair.
However, the rapid contribution and support of the international community are essential to expedite the rebuilding process and restore life to these cities.
He stressed that the will to survive must triumph over adversity and major disasters. The Libyan people should face pain with hope.
Al-Huwaij praised Egypt’s role and the strong relationship between the two countries. He highlighted that Egypt’s significant role extends beyond current aid to encompass continuous support and sacrifices for the stability of Libya.
He emphasized that Egypt is a major nation that plays a significant role in the Arab, African, and global arenas.
He stated that since day one of the disaster, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed all state agencies to support and assist the Libyan people.
The minister expressed that the relationship between the two countries extends not only to political and diplomatic ties but also to bonds of brotherhood, kinship, and neighborliness, where Libyans and Egyptians live as brothers and neighbors in both nations.
He mentioned the deep appreciation for Arab countries, especially the Arab Republic of Egypt, for their immediate response to the call for assistance.
He highlighted the significant roles of the United Nations and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and various other organizations.
Given the extensive scale of losses, there are four categories of victims in this catastrophe: the missing, those trapped, displaced individuals, and the injured. He expressed hope that dedicated efforts would be made to locate the missing.
He revealed that the number of displaced individuals is approaching 60,000 and that they require healthcare and psychological support. The country also faces significant challenges due to the onset of winter and the upcoming academic year.
Nevertheless, the government, armed forces, and relevant agencies are working tirelessly, engaging with the international community to alleviate the negative effects of this disaster.
