ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Libya to Pakistan, Moamar Abdmutalib, met the Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, M. Iqbal Choudhary, at the Libyan Embassy here to discuss strengthening cooperation in science, research and technology.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration between Libya and OIC member and observer states through OIC-COMSTECH. Both sides agreed to launch the COMSTECH–Libya Programme, aimed at promoting research, innovation and capacity building.
As part of the programme, an artificial intelligence research and development centre will be established at the University of Tripoli, with a focus on applications in health, environment and agriculture. OIC-COMSTECH will also support the annual training of 50 healthcare professionals, including nurses, laboratory technicians and midwives.
The initiative further includes training of researchers in food security and agriculture using modern technologies such as GIS mapping, smart agriculture management systems and Internet of Things (IoT) applications to enhance productivity and support Libya’s food security goals.
Capacity-building programmes in disaster management will also be undertaken, focusing on disaster preparedness, health emergencies and climate vulnerability. In addition, OIC-COMSTECH will host rectors and presidents of Libyan universities for an education forum aimed at promoting inter-university collaboration.
The programme also envisages the establishment of an OIC-COMSTECH MENA regional coordination office in Libya, with support from the Libyan government.
Prof Choudhary thanked the ambassador for the hospitality and reaffirmed OIC-COMSTECH’s commitment to supporting Libya’s scientific and technological development. Ambassador Abdmutalib said the partnership would create new opportunities for Libyan researchers and professionals in advanced scientific fields.