Second Visit by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov to Benghazi, Libya

On September 4, 2026 the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov visited Benghazi, Libya at the invitation of the Rector of the University of Benghazi Prof. Ezzedin Eddressi, and the Director General of Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund Eng. Belqasim Khalifa Haftar.

It is the second visit to Libya for the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov’s and represents another step forward in the development of relations between he UNWE and the University of Benghazi.

The occasion of the visit was the official grand opening of the restored University of Benghazi - one of the most significant events in the city’s academic and public life. The university, which had been severely damaged during the armed conflict, reopened its doors following extensive reconstruction, becoming a symbol of recovery and the pursuit of development through education and knowledge.

The ceremony was attended by a broad international and academic audience. Among the special guests was also the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. The event was attended by representatives of the international diplomatic community, including the Ambassadors of Great Britain, Russia, Turkiye, France, Italy and Spain.

Guests at the ceremony included Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army, the Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Prof. Aguila Saleh. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s message, which emphasized peace, education, the country’s reconstruction and the establishment of constitutional order made a particularly strong impression during the ceremony.

The event itself turned into a spectacular show featuring large-scale lighting effects, international music and a specially prepared stage programme. The event demonstrated not only the restoration of the university’s infrastructure, but also Benghazi’s aspiration toward a new phase of development.

During his visit Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov held a meeting with the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Prof. Aguila Saleh. During the meeting they discussed the prospects of developing the relations between Bulgaria and Libya and the role of higher education in building sustainable international partnerships.

A significant contribution to the implementation of the visit and the establishment of the necessary contacts between the Bulgarian and Libyan sides was made by Mr. Anastas Terzobaliev, an expert and entrepreneur in the field of Arab countries and the Middle East and North Africa /MENA/ region, and Ambassador of Peace to the International Academy of Diplomacy and Culture in Italy.

During the visit the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Bulgarian delegation received an exceptionally warm welcome and hospitality from their Libyan hosts. At Benina Airport, the official delegation was greeted by representatives of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s office and protocol staff. At the reception were also Dr. Ahmed Emrage, Director of International Relations at the University of Benghazi and Dr. Nassar Menfi.

The programme gave the Bulgarian delegation the opportunity to experience the richness of Libyan culture and traditions. The traditional cuisine, hospitality and attention to guests’ demands complemented the impression of a visit that went beyond the scope of the official academic programme.

The second visit of the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov to Benghazi is a testament to the steady development of the partnership between the two universities and to the real prospects it holds.

Benghazi gave the impression of a city that looks toward the future – toward reconstruction, education, development and peace. Through the exchange of education, scientific knowledge and joint work universities can build trust and relations that go beyond the political and geographic boundaries. The visit to Benghazi is yet another step toward building new bridges between Bulgaria and Libya based on education, science, culture, friendship and mutual respect.

The UNWE will continue developing its partnership with the University of Benghazi and work to deepen the academic cooperation between Bulgaria and Libya.