Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian expressed Tuesday to his Libyan counterpart, Najla Mangoush, Tehran’s readiness to expand relations with Libya, and help in the reconstruction of the country, Iranian news agencies reported.
The two ministers met in the Iranian capital to discuss and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
This is the first visit of a Libyan foreign minister to Iran in 17 years, which came at the official invitation of Amir Abdollahian.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the establishment of a Joint High Commission, the formation of a political consultation committee, the strengthening of economic and trade ties, scientific and technological collaboration, as well as organizing special exhibitions.
While expressing his satisfaction with the establishment of security and stability in Libya, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed Tehran’s readiness to expand relations with the friendly country, Libya, and help in the reconstruction of the country, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
Abdollahian further touched upon the actual status of women in Iran and criticized the West’s double standards and politicization of women's rights, the Ministry said, in an implicit reference to the feminist movement and the protests that shook Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was detained by Iran's so-called morality police.
Mangoush’ visit to Iran comes after the elevation of Libya's diplomatic mission in Tehran to ambassadorial status, the reopening of Iran's embassy in Tripoli and the resumption of shipping services between the two countries.
Last week, Iranian news agencies said the first Iranian ship docked at Libya's Misrata Port, nearly ten years after the last Iranian ship left the Libyan ports.
The head of Iran's diplomatic delegation in the North African country, Einollah Souri, told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), that the Iranian embassy in Libya is ready to provide consular services.
“Given the closure of the Iranian embassy in Libya over the past years, we are currently preparing and organizing its building. Fortunately, the embassy is ready to accept clients,” Souri said.
He added that meetings are held with officials of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
