Tripoli: The U.S. Embassy in Libya has reaffirmed its ongoing collaboration with the Department of Antiquities to safeguard Libyan cultural heritage from looting and destruction.

According to Libyan News Agency, the embassy communicated its continued efforts through a video posted on its Facebook page. The video outlined the United States' initiatives to support the preservation of cultural heritage in Libya, which have been ongoing since 2005. These initiatives include the restoration and digitization of historical sites across Libya, efforts to preserve mosaics and manuscripts in Ghadames, the restoration of a mosque in Awjila, the recovery of seven artifacts, and the training of Libyan archaeology experts. The embassy highlighted that many of these projects were executed under the U.S.-Libya Cultural Property Agreement.

In January 2025, the Libyan Department of Antiquities and the U.S. Embassy formalized a work program aimed at cultural heritage protection and combating antiquities smuggling. This agreement was signed during the Recovered Cultural Heritage Exhibition at the historic Red Castle (Assaraya Alhamra), with several stakeholders and specialists in archaeology and culture in attendance.

The strategic plan, set to run from 2024 to 2027, aims to bolster joint efforts to protect Libyan cultural heritage from smuggling and destruction. It emphasizes enhancing the international role in maintaining Libya's cultural identity.