Libyan official says discussed energy, migration with new Syria leader

A senior official from Libya's UN-recognised government met Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday and discussed issues including diplomatic relations, energy and migration. Syrians fleeing civil war since 2011 and seeking a better life have often travelled to Libya in search of work or passage across the Mediterranean on flimsy boats towards Europe.

Power in Libya is divided between the UN-recognised government based in the capital Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar who also controls the south. Damascus's new authorities have received envoys from across the Middle East and beyond since taking control as countries look to establish contact with Sharaa's administration.