Vietnam and Libya established their diplomatic relations on March 15, 1975. Libya fully supported Vietnam’s anti-American War and accession to the UN. After the reunification of Vietnam, Libya pledged a loan of 2 million tons of oil, but only 800,000 tons given, with low interest during the 1976-1980 period.

Vietnam-Libya Inter-Government Committee held its 8th Session in Hanoi in February 1998 and the 9th Session in Tripoli in May 2001. Minister of Construction Nguyen Manh Kiem headed the Vietnamese delegation. Hanoi is  preparing for the 10th Session scheduled in Hanoi this November.

There are about 1,300 Vietnamese labourers in Libya for the time-being. Among which, 300 labourers are working under direct contracts with Libya while the rest working under subcontracts with a third side in Libya. Recently, Libya has required 4.615 Vietnamese construction labourers and VINACONEX was recommended.

The cooperation between Vietnam and Libya and some African countries in investment and agriculture is under discussion.

Trade between the two countries has been restricted due to the UN and US embargo on Libya. In the 1990s, Vietnam exported goods to Libya to pay the debt, which was worth 7-10 million US dollars annually. In the early 2000s, the export turnover decreased. Vietnamese goods exported to Libya include tea, coffee, hardwood, computers, and foot wear. It imports chemical fertilizer from Libya.

Recent Vietnam - Libya two-way trade turnover figures:

Vietnamese delegations to Libya:

- 1978  : Vice President Nguyen Huu Tho;
- 1978+1985 : Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers, General Vo Nguyen Giap;
- 1981  : Vice-Chairman of Council of Ministers Tran Quyh;
- 1986 : Vice-Chairman of Council of Ministers Huynh Tan Phat;
- 1989  :  Chairman of the National Assembly Le Quang Dao;
- June 1990  : Chairman of State Council Vo Chi Cong;
- 1995  : Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Ha Phan;
- June 1999  : Vice-Foreign Minister Nguyen Van Nganh;
- March 2000 : Vice-Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Phuc Thanh;
- March 2004 : Vice Defense Minister Nguyen Huy Hieu;
- April 2004 : Vice Trade Minister Do Nhu Dinh;
- May 2004 : Chairman of the National Assembly External Relations Committee Vu Mao;
- July 2004 : Secrectary of the CPV in Nghe An Province.
- February 2005 : Deputy Minister of Labour, War-Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Luong Trao;

Libyan delegations to Vietnam:

- 1995  : Foreign Minister;
- 1997  : First Deputy Foreign Minister;
- 1998 : Minister of Fisheries, Chairman of Libya-Vietnam Inter-Government Committee;
- 2007  : Deputy Foreign Minister.

The two countries have signed:

- Agreement on bilateral cooperation in Economics, Science and Technology (February 19, 1976);
- Trade Agreement (October 17, 1983);
- MOU on cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Address of Vietnamese Embassy in Tripoli:

AL HADBA AL KHADARA-TRIPOLI
P.O BOX : 587
TEL  : (0021821) 490 1456;
FAX  : (0021821) 490 1499;
E-MAIL : dsqvnlib@yahoo.com.

Address of Libya Embassy in Hanoi:

A3,Van Phuc Quarter, Ba Đinh Dist, Hanoi.
TEL : 04-8453379; 8463503;
FAX : 04-8454977

(6/2007)