Libya–Syria relations
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Libya–Syria relations are the bilateral relations between Libya and Syria. The two countries are members of the Arab League and the United Nations.
History
[edit]Libya and Syria established diplomatic relations in 1963.[1] Muammar Gaddafi visited Syria on November 16, 1970, just three days after the Corrective Movement, which brought Hafiz al-Assad to power. In 1984, Gaddafi provided $200 million to vice-president Rifaat al-Assad and helped resolve the conflict between the two brothers, ensuring Hafez al-Assad's continued rule in Syria.[2]
During the Syrian civil war, President Bashar al-Assad's response was often compared by protesters to Muammar Gaddafi's crackdown during the Libyan uprising in February 2011.[3] On 16 September 2011, Syria voted at the United Nations General Assembly to accredit the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the representative of Libya. However, the Assad government permitted Al-Rai TV, a Syrian station, to broadcast pro-Gaddafi propaganda, including audio messages from Gaddafi, his family members, and former Information Minister Moussa Ibrahim.[4]
On 10 October 2011, Libya became the first country to recognize the Syrian National Council (SNC), an opposition umbrella group, as "the sole legitimate government in Syria." NTC official Musa Al-Koni announced the recognition and stated that the Syrian Embassy in Tripoli would be closed until further notice.[5] The NTC also promised to hand over control of the Syrian Embassy in Tripoli to SNC representatives.[6]
On 1 March 2020, a Libyan delegation representing the Libyan House of Representatives visited Damascus to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at reactivating diplomatic missions between the two countries.[7]
Following the fall of the Assad regime, Libyan Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs Walid Ellafi visited Damascus on 28 December 2024 to meet Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria.[8] On 5 January 2025, 34 tons of Libyan humanitarian aid arrived at Damascus Airport to support the Syrian people.[9]
Resident diplomatic missions
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ The Middle East 1963. Europa Publications Limited, London. 1963. p. 380.
- ^ "Moscow and Ankara pulling strings…Syrians on both sides of Libyan conflict". enabbaladi.net. 27 March 2020.
- ^ "Syria Protesters: Gaddafi Is Gone, Assad Will Follow". The Huffington Post. 22 August 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
- ^ "Gadhafi: His government won't be ousted". UPI. 20 September 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
- ^ "Libya NTC says recognises Syrian National Council". Khaleej Times. 11 October 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
- ^ İpek Yezdani (20 October 2011). "Syria dissidents secure Libya embassy promise". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
- ^ "Syria, Libya discuss bilateral relations, means to reactivate them in different domains". Syrian Arab News Agency. 1 March 2020. Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ "Libyan official says discussed energy, migration with new Syria leader". France 24. 28 December 2024.
- ^ "Libya sends humanitarian aid to Syria". Libya Observer. 6 January 2025.
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