Benghazi — The Second General Conference of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council (AAPC) officially opened on Monday in the eastern Libyan City of Benghazi, bringing together parliamentary leaders and delegations from Asia and Africa, including a legislative delegation from the Republic of Liberia.
The conference aims to discuss ways of strengthening intercontinental cooperation and addressing common challenges.
Delivering the opening address, Aguila Saleh, Speaker of Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives and current President of the Council, called for stronger parliamentary coordination to tackle shared challenges facing member states, including regional conflicts, economic pressures, climate change, food insecurity and migration.
Speaker Saleh emphasized that Libya, which currently chairs the Council, remains committed to working closely with member parliaments to strengthen the organization’s role in promoting sustainable development, collective security, and enhanced regional cooperation across Asia and Africa.
Liberia is expected to address the General Conference on Tuesday, 16 June. The Liberian delegation is headed by Johnson S.N. Williams Sr., Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who will deliver Liberia’s statement to the conference.
Rep. Williams is expected to reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to promoting regional and international cooperation through active participation in multilateral institutions and parliamentary forums such as the Asian-African Parliamentary Council.
According to a statement issued by House Press and Public Affairs Director Robert Haynes, who is also a member of the Liberian delegation, the two-day conference is focusing on regional and international issues of common concern, as well as the critical role of parliaments in fostering dialogue, partnership, peace and sustainable development across the two continents.
The Asian-African Parliamentary Council was established following its inaugural conference held in Beirut in September 2025. The organization seeks to enhance parliamentary cooperation, consultation, and mutual understanding between countries in Asia and Africa.
Following presentations from participating countries and parliamentary representatives, the first day’s proceedings adjourned and are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, June 16.
As part of activities marking the opening of the conference, Speaker Aguila Saleh hosted a dinner in honor of the parliamentary delegations attending the event, providing an opportunity for delegates to strengthen ties and engage in informal discussions on matters of mutual interest.
