UK Embassy Reopens in Tripoli

Britain reopened its embassy in Tripoli on 5 June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus. The reopening was announced by British ambassador Caroline Hurndall at the event celebrating Queen Elisabeth II’s official birthday and the queen’s Jubilee (70 years as queen) at the old embassy compound in Tripoli. The British embassy, like a majority of embassies, has been operating out of Tunis. Due to Libya’s security and political instability, it is the first time the embassy has celebrated the Queen’s Birthday Party in Tripoli in 8 years.

“This is a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the whole of Libya. I am proud our work touches the lives of Libyans across the whole country already,” said Ambassador Caroline Hurndall on Twitter. UK-Libya relations are deep and historical, she added. During her celebrations speech, Hurndall also said the UK will continue to work with Libyans and the UN on a durable political settlement for Libya.

The UK had closed its diplomatic missions in Libya in 2014 amid intense armed clashes in the country. The compound has not been in official use as it had been damaged by the Qaddafi regime during the 2011 revolution – in revenge for the British recognizing the new anti-Qaddafi regime at the time.