Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Tripoli, SANA- Syrian Foreign Ministry’s technical delegation to Libya affirms that it is working to improve the situation of the Syrian community there and is conducting talks to reopen the embassy in Tripoli.
The delegation noted to SANA Monday, that under direction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, we arrived in Tripoli last Monday on a visit aimed at improving the conditions of the Syrian community in Libya, leading to the opening of the embassy in Tripoli in the first phase and the consulate in Benghazi in the next phase.
The delegation stated that it began its work according to a clear plan, beginning with providing all possible services to the Syrian community, particularly passport extensions and granting transit permits to those without travel documents to facilitate their return to the country.
The delegation added that it also worked to secure a temporary headquarters for the mission until the Syrian government takes over the main headquarters, and to activate the air carrier between Damascus and Tripoli in the first phase. We hope the first flight will depart as soon as possible.
Syrian-Libyan relations are historic, and the Libyan people have embraced the Syrian revolution and the Syrian people. We thank the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the important decision to exempt all Syrians (residents and departing) from fines, the delegation said.
We will consider humanitarian cases seeking voluntary return to Syria in cooperation with official authorities. Following the imminent opening of the embassy, the services Syrian citizens need in Libya will be made available, it noted.
The delegation pointed out that there is a package of proposals that would contribute to strengthening Syrian-Libyan relations, such as mutual visa exemption, inviting Libyan investors to Damascus, and establishing a joint working mechanism between the two countries.
There are 43 prior agreements between Syria and Libya, and the Syrian market has been the preferred destination for Libyan citizens. The Libyan Embassy in Damascus informed us that the visa system will be activated soon, the delegation said.
Since last Friday, we have completed approximately 8,000 procedures, including passport extensions, issuance of return tickets, and authentication of documents, it pointed out.
The delegation concluded that we commend the positive role of the Syrian community in cooperating with the delegation and their sincere joy and relief at the resumption of official ties with the Syrian State after a long hiatus.
Nisreen Othman / Manar Salameh
