Syria reopens embassy in Tripoli as Foreign Minister discusses cooperation with Libya

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani presided over the reopening of the Syrian embassy in Tripoli, which had been closed for 14 years. The visit is part of a diplomatic tour of North African nations. According to the official Libyan News Agency, Al Shibani met with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah to discuss strengthening economic, investment, and trade ties, as well as security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts. Both the current Syrian administration under President Ahmad Al Shara and the Libyan government are supported by Turkey. Concurrently, Libyan Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Salah Al Din Al Namroush met with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara to discuss expanding military partnerships. Al Shibani also held talks with the Libyan Oil Minister and the head of the Libyan Investment Authority regarding energy cooperation and expertise exchange. Syria currently faces severe fuel shortages, with oil production at 85,000 barrels per day, significantly lower than its pre-war levels, while Libya produces 1.4 million barrels per day. These diplomatic efforts are part of the new Syrian government's strategy to improve its international standing following the removal of Bashar Al Assad.