Egypt has reopened its embassy in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, after 14 years, marking a new step in diplomatic relations between the two North African countries.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty attended the reopening ceremony on Saturday, November 7.
The embassy had been closed since 2012, following years of instability after the overthrow of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
According to Africanews and AFP, Egypt now hopes to strengthen relations with Tripoli and expand energy cooperation.
Egypt reopens Libya embassy amid diplomatic shift
Libya remains divided between rival administrations competing for political control.
Egypt previously supported eastern-based forces led by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
However, Cairo has recently moved to improve relations with the Tripoli-based authorities.
The embassy reopening reflects this diplomatic shift.
It also creates opportunities for closer economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
Egypt and Libya discuss gas pipeline
Energy cooperation is a major focus of the renewed relationship.
During the ceremony, Abdelatty highlighted plans for a possible gas pipeline connecting Libya and Egypt.
The proposed pipeline could allow Libyan natural gas to reach Egypt’s liquefaction facilities.
Egypt has established infrastructure for processing natural gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG).
As a result, the project could support future gas exports.
However, the pipeline remains a proposal. No construction date or final investment agreement was announced.
Oil refining and electricity projects planned
Egypt and Libya are also discussing cooperation in oil refining and electricity.
Abdelatty called for faster progress on a proposal to refine Libyan crude oil in Egypt before exporting it.
He also highlighted plans to restore Libya’s oil refineries.
In addition, both countries want to reestablish electricity connections.
These projects could strengthen regional energy trade and improve economic ties.
However, officials have not announced a timetable for completing them.
Regional tensions remain
Egypt’s diplomatic outreach comes amid wider political disagreements in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Cairo has also raised objections to a disputed maritime agreement involving Turkey and Libya’s eastern administration.
Egypt argues that the agreement affects its maritime interests.
Meanwhile, Libya’s political divisions continue to complicate relations with neighbouring countries.
Despite these challenges, the embassy reopening signals Egypt’s intention to deepen engagement with Tripoli.
For both countries, energy cooperation could become an important part of their renewed diplomatic relationship.