Japan reopened its embassy in Libya’s Tripoli on Monday after a 10-year hiatus, the Japanese Foreign Minister announced.
“The embassy, which had been closed since 2014, will focus on coordination with the Libyan government for the time being to operate with the minimum size of personnel,” the statement read.
Consular services will be provided at a temporary office in Tunisia, a neighbor of Libya. Meanwhile, Japan will keep its travel advisory for Libya at Level 4, the highest of its four-tier warning system, urging Japanese nationals there to evacuate.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Libya and Japan in 1957, the two countries have developed solid bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
The ministry added: “Building on the already existing foundation, Japan is committed to advancing the two countries’ relationship to the highest and deepest level ever.”
In October 2023, the government of Japan contributed $1 million to UNICEF Libya to aid in flood relief efforts in eastern parts of the country.
The funding was allocated for critical areas such as providing clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, hygiene kits, and child protection assistance to the most vulnerable children and families affected by the recent Mediterranean Storm Daniel.
