Libya and Syria signed an agreement aimed at restoring the mechanisms of official cooperation between the two countries.
SANA reported that the agreement aims to reactivate the previous understanding on the Joint Higher Committee and adapt the committee to political developments in both countries. The committee operates as an official bilateral cooperation framework that develops political, economic and social relations between Libya and Syria and coordinates joint work in various fields.
The agreement was signed after a meeting held in Tripoli on Sunday between Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The talks addressed raising the level of diplomatic representation, restoring Libya-Syria joint cooperation frameworks and reviving the Joint Higher Committee.
According to a statement by Libya’s Government of National Unity, the sides also discussed options for strengthening cooperation in the fields of the economy, investment and trade. Financial issues and outstanding debts between institutions in the two countries were also among the topics discussed.
Security and humanitarian issues
In addition to security cooperation and the fight against terrorism, the sides discussed the situation of communities in both countries, consular services, detainees and people in custody, refugees, and issues concerning displaced people.
The reopening of the Syrian Consulate in Benghazi, in eastern Libya, was also discussed. Dbeibah stressed the importance of opening a new page based on shared interests and practical cooperation, and said that outstanding issues should be addressed for the benefit of citizens of both countries.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry said that al-Shaibani and Dbeibah had discussed ways to strengthen and advance bilateral relations in various fields. The ministry said cooperation should be expanded to serve shared interests and that communication and coordination between relevant institutions should be strengthened.
Energy, investment and diplomatic representation
During his visit to Tripoli, al-Shaibani also met with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas Khalifa Abdulsadek and Ali Mahmoud Hassan, chairman and chief executive of the Libyan Investment Authority. The meetings addressed bilateral cooperation in energy and investment, new areas for partnerships and the sharing of expertise.
The Syrian foreign minister also exchanged views with Taher al-Baour, Libya’s minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, on strengthening relations and expanding cooperation in various fields.
Al-Shaibani arrived in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Sunday, where he met with Libyan officials and discussed the process of reopening Syria’s embassy, which has been closed for 14 years.
In August 2025, a technical and diplomatic delegation from Syria to Libya announced that the Syrian flag had been raised again at the embassy building. The delegation said the step was part of preparations to reopen the mission.
Syria’s embassy in Tripoli was closed in 2012 after Libya’s Transitional Council recognized the Syrian revolution. Relations between the two countries remained severed during the rule of Bashar al-Assad.
On December 8, 2024, groups in Syria took control of Damascus after capturing other cities. The development brought an end to the Baath Party’s 61-year rule and the Assad family’s 53-year rule.
