The seaport of Libya's eastern city Benghazi has been opened after a three year-closure as a result of military operations between the army and armed groups. The eastern government Prime Minister Thanni attended the opening ceremony on Sunday. Local officials stressed the port will begin shipping services soon.

 

BELQASEM AL-ABAAJ HEAD OF LIBYAN PORTS Today, we broadcast news to the world that Benghazi, the city of resilience, has opened its doors to receive trade and traders, as well as merchandise and ships from all countries who love peace. Today, Benghazi has overcome the crisis and wars of the past and we say to the world today that Benghazi is safe.

 

The Seaport of Benghazi is one of the country's oldest, with an average daily throughput of four million tons. It was closed in 2014 and has witnessed a violent war between the army, commanded by General Khalifa Haftar, and local armed groups. With Haftar declaring victory in early July, Benghazi decided to reopen the economic lifeline of east Libya. The port will not be used for exporting crude oil temporarily, but will welcome imports of natural gas, petroleum products and other goods.