Opening of the Syrian Embassy in Libya after 14 years of closure

Syria has reopened its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, after a closure that lasted since 2012, in a move to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries to their full trajectory. The reopening ceremony was attended by Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaybani, who affirmed that his visit to Libya serves as a catalyst for developing Syrian-Libyan relations and opening a new phase of political, economic, and security cooperation between the two nations. Al-Shaybani stated that relations between Damascus and Tripoli are historical and span various fields, noting that his meeting with Taher al-Bagour, the official entrusted with managing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Government of National Unity, resulted in an agreement on a roadmap to develop bilateral relations. He clarified that both sides agreed to enhance political coordination on regional and international issues, activate maritime and air transport routes, and work on establishing an institutional framework and a high-level committee to manage and coordinate relations between the two countries. Al-Shaybani also revealed an agreement to expand economic cooperation, including the establishment of a business council, increasing mutual investments, and opening the door for Libya’s participation in investment and reconstruction projects in Syria in the coming period. He pointed out that the two countries agreed to enhance security coordination in the face of illegal migration, drug trafficking, and terrorist organizations. Following his meeting with Libyan Government of National Unity head Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, al-Shaybani emphasized that the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Tripoli would help regulate the situation of Syrians residing in Libya and provide them with consular services after years of the diplomatic mission’s operations being suspended. For his part, Taher al-Bagour described the Syrian Foreign Minister’s visit as historic, affirming that the embassy’s reopening represents a step toward restoring Syrian-Libyan relations to their natural course. Al-Bagour stated that both sides agreed to activate previous agreements between the two countries and prepare to hold a meeting of the Syrian-Libyan Joint High Committee before the end of the year or early next year. He added that Tripoli and Damascus would enhance consultation and political coordination on Arab and Islamic issues and regional developments, noting a significant convergence of views between the two countries. Al-Bagour also announced Libya’s aspiration to support Syria’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–2029 term, affirming that Libya would defend Syrian interests if it secures the seat.