Syrian-Libyan ties were frozen in late 2011, soon after the victory of anti-Gaddafi forces in Libya which recognized a loose coalition of armed anti-Assad militants as the Syria's “sole legitimate government.”
Tobruk-based government Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdul-Hadi Al-Hawaij and Deputy Prime Minister Abdul-Rahman al-Ahiresh arrived in Damascus on Sunday for talks with their Syrian counterparts, signing a host of joint cooperation agreements and approving the restoration of diplomatic relations.
According to Syrian media, the agreements included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) committing Damascus and Tobruk to “reactivating” ties, reopening diplomatic missions and “coordinating the two countries' stances at international and regional forums, particularly in standing in the face of Turkish interference and aggression…in addition to enhancing cooperation in all spheres.”
The eastern Libyan delegation was said to include Libyan National Army officials and the head of the Tobruk-based intelligence service, with talks said to have included the need for increased cooperation in addressing the common challenges of terrorism and foreign-backed mercenaries.
Libyan officials were greeted by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, who also serves as Syria's deputy prime minister, and other Syrian officials.
Muallem was said to have emphasized the “special status” of ties between…
