Libya–Taiwan relations
# Libya–Taiwan relations

Libya–Taiwan relations refers to bilateral relations between Taiwan and Libya.

## History

Diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Libya were established in 1959.

In 1961 Taiwan sent a team of medical professionals to Libya, this was Taiwan's first attempt at medical diplomacy.

In 1979 Libya broke off formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan when they established relations with China, the Taiwanese embassy was replaced with the Taiwan Commercial Office in Tripoli which was closed in 1997 under Chinese pressure.

In 2006 Saif al-Islam Qaddafi traveled to Taiwan and met with Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian amidst a warming of relations. The two promised a reopening of the trade office. The trade office reopened in 2008. Following Qaddafi's trip the Taiwanese government denied reports that they had agreed to supply Libya with weapons and communications equipment.

The trade office closed in 2011 as a result of the First Libyan Civil War.

