Syria has reopened its embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli, more than 14 years after the mission was closed amid a breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani inaugurated the embassy on Sunday during a visit to Tripoli aimed at strengthening ties with Libya.
Al-Shaibani held talks with Libya’s acting Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour, with the two sides discussing ways to develop bilateral relations and expand cooperation.
The reopening marks a new step in efforts by the two countries to restore diplomatic communication following years of conflict and political division.
The Syrian embassy in Tripoli was closed in 2011, after Libya’s then-transitional authorities recognized the Syrian opposition and moved to end official ties with the government of Bashar al-Assad.
The latest move comes as Syria’s new government seeks to rebuild its diplomatic relations in the region following the fall of Assad’s government in December 2024.
During his visit, al-Shaibani also met Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in several areas and addressing issues affecting Syrians living in Libya.
The reopening of the embassy is also expected to facilitate consular services for the Syrian community in Libya, which numbers around 200,000 people, according to Syrian state media.
Both sides have described the development as the beginning of a new chapter in Syrian-Libyan relations, with further cooperation expected in political, economic and consular affairs.