U.S. Announces Ambassador to Libya, Libyan PM Visits

Photo Credit: U.S. State Department

President Barack Obama announced his nomination of Deborah K. Jones for the position of Ambassador to Libya. Jones joined the Department of State in 1982 and served as Ambassador to Kuwait from 2008 to 2011. Her previous overseas assignments include Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iraq, Argentina, and Syria. She is currently the head of the Middle East Institute, a DC-based think tank. Secretary of State John Kerry said, “She is a very capable and experienced diplomat, and I have no doubt that she’s going to help to strengthen the partnership” between Libya and the United States.

Kerry met with Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan on Wednesday. During a press conference with Zeidan, Kerry praised Libya’s progress in its democratic transition and highlighted U.S. plans to promote stability and security in Libya, particularly with regard to rule of law, professional security institutions and forces, and border security. He also said, “the United States wants to create an economic environment in Libya that will spur outside investment and foster entrepreneurship.” Zeidan emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Libya relationship for stability in the region. He also stated that security cooperation is a particularly important aspect of the relationship for Libya’s stability.