The Tripoli based Libyan Foreign Ministry reported yesterday that Alaa al-Din El-Hashimi Ben Rajab, Director of the Americas Department, met on the same day, with Ms. Janet Robert, Head of Consular Affairs at the Embassy of the United States to Libya.
The meeting was attended by Mr. El- Harsha, Head of the United States and Canada Section; Mr. Rawad Shalabi, Second Secretary at the Department; and Ms. Madiha Othman, Consular Affairs Assistant at the U.S. Embassy.
The Embassy said the meeting comes as part of efforts to strengthen consular communication and coordination between Libya and the United States of America.
Janet Robert assumes consular duties
The meeting opened with a welcome to Ms. Janet Robert and an introduction on the occasion of her recent assumption of consular duties. Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining institutional communication and strengthening coordination channels to enhance consular cooperation and facilitate the handling of matters of mutual interest.
Visa application challenges
The meeting addressed the main challenges and obstacles facing citizens of both countries in relation to visa application procedures. The two sides exchanged views on existing difficulties and explored possible approaches and mechanisms to address them and overcome related obstacles, with a view to further facilitating procedures while ensuring compliance with the national legislation and applicable legal requirements of both countries.
The two sides also discussed several issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of continued consultation and coordination, as well as enhanced cooperation between the relevant authorities. These efforts aim to develop practical solutions to the challenges under discussion and support the further development of bilateral relations between Libya and the United States.
The Ministry said meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional dialogue and practical cooperation between the two sides and to develop coordination mechanisms in a manner that serves the interests of citizens of both countries and supports their bilateral relations.