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Benghazi Set to Host Libya’s First Skyscraper

The National Development Authority, key development institution under Eastern region government , has announced plans to build Libya’s first skyscraper in the Jalyana district of Benghazi.

The project is designed to rise 348 meters across 87 floors, classifying it as a supertall skyscraper. It will stand about 18 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and include six underground parking levels.

Scheduled for completion by 2030, the tower is expected to become the tallest building in Libya and a major landmark in Africa, marking a significant step in the country’s reconstruction and urban development.

Sorman, Authorities Defuse Car Bomb Parked Outside School

The Criminal Investigation Department announced that its officers successfully dismantled a car bomb after discovering a vehicle rigged for remote detonation parked outside a school in the city of Sorman, in western Libya.

According to the department, the vehicle contained five artillery shells and a landmine connected to a remote-controlled detonation circuit. Authorities safely neutralized the explosive device, preventing what could have been a devastating attack. An investigation is underway to identify those responsible.

Couple Arrested After Climbing Empire State Building

Two people were arrested in New York after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building. A news helicopter filmed them kissing near the antenna, about 443 metres up.

They held up a banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

Police climbed up and told them they couldn’t stay there. The pair, Vanya Beerkus and Angela Nikolau, are Russian nationals known for “rooftopping” — climbing tall buildings. They appeared in a 2024 Netflix show about the hobby.

Angela’s father said he wasn’t worried, since he climbs roofs too, and called it normal.

The Empire State Building called the climb “unauthorized” and said the couple should have booked its official $1,000 proposal package instead.

US Won’t Auto-Renew USMCA Trade Deal

The US has decided not to automatically extend its trade agreement with Mexico and Canada (USMCA) for another 16 years. A US official said the deal wouldn’t be renewed as-is until outstanding problems are fixed.

Without a full renewal, the deal now faces a 10-year countdown toward possibly ending by 2036, instead of staying in place until 2042.

The US wants changes on car manufacturing rules, dairy trade access, and blocking countries like China from using the deal to bypass tariffs.

This means the three countries will now need to meet yearly to negotiate. Business groups wanted a full extension for stability, but some US steel industry groups support the yearly reviews, saying it gives American negotiators more leverage.

The USMCA, worth about $2 trillion in yearly trade, replaced NAFTA six years ago.

Haftar Receives Orascom Chairman Naguib Sawiris in Benghazi to Discuss Investment, Reconstruction

BENGHAZI – Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, received Naguib Sawiris, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orascom Investment Holding, at the General Command headquarters in Benghazi. The meeting was attended by Dr. Jibril al-Badri, Head of the National Development Authority.

Discussions focused on investment opportunities in Libya and the potential role of Orascom in supporting reconstruction and development projects across different cities and regions. The meeting also addressed possible cooperation frameworks with the National Development Authority to enhance development initiatives, attract investment, and contribute to strengthening the national economy

Libya Reviews Progress on New Ministerial Complex Project

Minister of State for Prime Minister and Cabinet Affairs Mohammed bin Ghalbon chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review progress on the new ministerial complex project and the steps needed to complete and prepare the buildings for operation.

The meeting, attended by government officials and relevant authorities, reviewed the completion of 11 buildings within the complex, the relocation of several ministries and government institutions, and the final plan for distributing government offices across the new facilities.

Participants also approved the start of final architectural works and interior preparations for the completed buildings, instructing that a clear timeline be set to finish the remaining work and ensure the complex is ready to begin operations.

Libya Elected to Arab Civil Aviation Organization Executive Council for the First Time

Libya has been elected for the first time to the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) for the 2026–2028 term.

The election took place during the 29th session of the ACAO General Assembly held in Rabat, marking a new step in Libya’s participation in Arab civil aviation institutions.

Through its membership, Libya will take part in developing policies and programs related to civil aviation across the Arab region. The country also secured membership in four technical committees within the organization, focusing on aviation development, regulations, and air navigation safety.

The Minister of Transportation, representing Libya, chaired the ACAO General Assembly session and held discussions with Saudi aviation officials on issues including Hajj flights and the resumption of flights to Libya.

Libya Approves New Structure for Foreign Ministry to Improve Diplomatic Work

Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah approved new job descriptions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Libya’s diplomatic missions abroad as part of efforts to improve and reorganize diplomatic work.

The plan, presented by Acting Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour, aims to clearly define roles and responsibilities, improve the ministry’s performance, and create a unified system for its departments and embassies.

The new structure covers different departments, offices, the Diplomatic Institute, and Libyan embassies abroad. The government said the move is part of its wider administrative reform plan to modernize state institutions and improve public services.

Ben Sharada Warns Against Fuel Subsidy Cuts Without Economic Reforms

High Council of State member Saad Ben Sharada warned that removing fuel subsidies without proper alternatives and economic reforms could create serious social and economic problems in Libya.

Ben Sharada said fuel price increases would likely raise transportation costs and the prices of basic goods, while potentially putting more pressure on the exchange rate and worsening inflation.

He said Libyans support efforts to stop fuel smuggling, but stressed that authorities must first address economic and security challenges before placing additional costs on citizens.

Ben Sharada also highlighted the impact of the liquidity crisis and the lack of reliable public transportation, saying many citizens could struggle to afford fuel. He questioned the details and guarantees of proposed cash compensation programs, and called for clearer solutions.

Regarding fuel imports, he questioned the rise in Libya’s fuel import spending, which increased from around $3 billion annually between 2016 and 2019 to nearly $9 billion in 2024, saying the figures suggest a significant portion of imported fuel may be lost through smuggling.

Libya Introduces Electronic Visa System to Simplify Procedures

The Passports, Nationality and Foreigners Affairs Authority announced the launch of a new electronic visa system through the website (evisa.gov.ly) to make the process of issuing entry visas easier and faster.

The Authority said the new system is part of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah’s plan to expand digital government services, improve the quality of services, and reduce paperwork.

Companies and individuals applying for entry visas for foreign nationals are now required to submit their applications through the electronic platform and follow the approved steps to complete the process and receive the necessary approvals.