Japan-Libya Relations (Basic Data)

September 2012

Basic Data

Diplomatic Relations:: Established in 1957. Embassy of Japan in Libya was opened in 1973.; Embassy of Libya opened in Japan in 1971, renamed to 'People's Bureau' in 1980.
Japanese Nationals:: Number of Japanese Nationals residing in Libya: 130 (March 2009); Number of Libyan Nationals residing in Japan: 36 (December 2006)
Economical Assistance:: As the DAC list is revised in December 2005, Libya is added to the ODA list. Starting 2008, technological assistance is implemented (electronics and medical radiation training).
Cultural Exchange: (1) Providing scholarships to 2-3 students annually to study in Japan; (2) Judo experts exchange ( 5 from Japan and 3 from Libya); (3) Exhibition "Desert is not silent" (Art exhibition of Libyan modern archeology) held (April 2005).; (4) Libya was an official participant of The 2005 World Exposition Aichi, Japan.; (5) In 2007, Japanese movie screenings, J-pop group performance and Japanese kite workshop were held as a 50th year commemoration of diplomatic relations.
Trade with Japan(2007):: Exports　to Japan: 480 million Yen (Seafood); Imports from Japan: 2,950 million Yen (automobiles, steel, tire tubes)
Direct Investment from Japan:: None

From Japan to Libya:

Year	Name
1998	Japan-Libya Friendship Association Mission (Headed by former Foreign Minister Koji Kakizawa)
1999	Delegation to attend a trade and investment symposium (Headed by former Foreign Minister Koij Kakizawa)
2000	Senior State-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Kiyohiro Araki
2004	Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ichiro Aizawa
2004	Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Keishiro Fukushima
2005	AU Parliamentary Friendship League of Japan, Delegation of Northern Africa ( Leader: former Minister for Science and Technology Kouji Omi)
2006	Delegation of friendship and association of Japan and Libya (former Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura and former Ministry for Foreign Affairs Kouji Kakizawa )
2006	Minister of Science and Technology Policy Iwao Matsuda (Special Envoy of the Prime Minister)
2006	Aide of the Prime Minister Yuriko Koike (Charge of National Security Issue)
2007	Minister Science and Technology Policy Iwao Matsuda
2007	Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya
2007	Delegation of friendship and association of Japan and Libya (Leader: former Ministry for Foreign Affairs Kouji Kakizawa)
2008	Minister of Science and Technology Policy Iwao Matsuda
2009	Minister of Science and Technology Policy Iwao Matsuda

From Libya to Japan:

Year	Name
2000	Secretary for Economy and Trade Dr. Zlitini
2001	Chairman of Soccer Association Saddi Kaddafi
2002	President National Petroleum Dr.Zlitini (The Eighth International Energy Forum)
2003	National People's Committee for International Cooperation in charge of International Liason Deputy Secretary Mohamed Al-Taher Hamouda Siala (TICAD III)
2004	National People's Committee for International Cooperation in charge of International Liason Deputy Secretary Mohamed Al-Taher Hamouda Siala
2005	Kadhafi Development Foundation President Saif Al Islam Kadhafi
2006	National Oil Corporation of Libya President Dr. Shokri Ghanem (former Prime Minister)
2006	General People's Committee Secretary Matuq Muhammad Matuq (Secretary of Workforce Training and Employment)
2008	National People's Committee for International Cooperation in charge of International Liason Deputy Secretary Mohamed Al-Taher Hamouda Siala (Special Envoy of Colonel Gaddafi)
2008	National People's Committee for International Cooperation in charge of International Liason Deputy Secretary Muhammad Omar Al Balani (Vice Minister) (TICAD IV)
2009	National People's Committee for International Cooperation in charge of International Liason Deputy Secretary Muhammad Omar Al Balani (Vice Minister)