TEHRAN – Einollah Souri, the new Iranian ambassador to Tripoli, officially presented his credentials to Mohamed al-Menfi, the Head of Libya's Presidential Council, during a formal meeting.

This meeting marks a step towards strengthening ties between Iran and Libya.

During the discussion, Ambassador Souri emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation and identified several key areas where both nations could benefit. These areas include commercial trade, economic collaboration, technical and engineering projects, healthcare advancements, pharmaceutical development, and higher education exchanges. He stressed that proactive efforts by senior officials in both countries could effectively harness these opportunities.

Souri reiterated Iran's commitment to revitalizing the strong bilateral relations that the two countries have enjoyed in the past. He conveyed Iran’s readiness to engage actively and swiftly to rebuild and enhance these ties.

Mohamed al-Menfi, the Head of Libya's Presidential Council, expressed his condolences for the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, as well as other companions in a tragic helicopter crash on May 19. 

Al-Menfi affirmed Libya’s eagerness to expand its comprehensive relations with Iran. He also announced Libya's preparedness to exchange high-level delegations with Iran to further diplomatic and economic cooperation.

In a related statement on June 12, 2023, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani highlighted the strategic importance of Libya for Iran. "Libya is an important Islamic and Arab country, and its security and stability are of great importance to us," Kanaani said during a weekly press briefing. He informed that an appropriate candidate had been chosen for the position of Iranian ambassador to Libya and that the administrative process for final approval and appointment was nearing completion. Kanaani expressed optimism that with the new Iranian ambassador arrival in Libya, the Iranian embassy in Tripoli would soon resume its official activities.

Before Souri’s appointment, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, the former Iranian ambassador to Tunisia, had served as the accredited ambassador to Tripoli. This transition marks a new chapter in Iranian-Libyan relations, promising enhanced diplomatic engagement and cooperation across various sectors.