By Ambassador Christopher Stevens.
Tripoli, 16 August 2012:
Libyans . . .[restrict]and Americans share a bright future together. Since returning to Libya as ambassador in May 2012, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been to meet so many Libyans who welcome close ties with the United States. And now we can add one more area to our deepening partnership.
On Monday 27 August, the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli will reopen its Consular Section. The Consular Section will offer a full range of services, including non-immigrant visas for travel to the United States and services to American citizens who reside in Libya. Libyans may begin scheduling visa interviews using our simple, online process that you can find on the visa section’s website at http://libya.usembassy.gov/visas.html.
The reopening of the Consular Section is great news for U.S.-Libyan relations. It will strengthen educational, business, and personal ties between our two countries, which are the foundation of our future together as friends and partners. The new Consular Section will make it easier for Libyans to visit the United States and for Americans to receive services here in Libya.
This is just one way that we are partnering with Libya. Since the U.S. Embassy reopened in Libya in September 2011, we have begun cooperative programs in a variety of sectors. The U.S. Embassy is working closely with the Ministry of Higher Education to assist what we hope will be large numbers of Libyan students travel to the United States to obtain college and university degrees. We also support hundreds of Libyans and Americans to participate annually in educational and professional exchange programs.
We are promoting American trade delegations to Libya, which bring potential partners from a variety of industries, including health care, technology, and education. American investment in Libya can create jobs for Libyans in these sectors. We are also coordinating U.S. expert assistance to preserve archaeological sites throughout Libya, which could be the gems of a future tourism industry.
These are just a few areas where the United States seeks to cooperate with Libya for the mutual benefit of our two countries. Promoting closer ties between the American and Libyan people is the foundation for cooperation in any area.
My message to Libyans is: “Ahlan wa sahlan!” You are welcome in America.
For those interested in applying for a visa, please visit the visa section of our website, which has additional information and contact details: http://libya.usembassy.gov/visas.html.
American citizens may find information about services for Americans at http://libya.usembassy.gov/service.html.
You may contact the Consular Section by email at [email protected] or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USEmbassyTripoli.
Christopher Stevens is the U.S. Ambassador in Tripoli. [/restrict]
