The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Stephanie Williams "for her service in advancing peace" in Libya, as she departs her position as Acting UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

In a statement by the US State Department, Blinken said that Stephanie has demonstrated extraordinary diplomatic skills to bring together Libyan parties within the framework of the UN-facilitated political process.

He said that William's efforts resulted in the October 23 nationwide ceasefire agreement, the selection of leadership for new executive authority, and the decision to hold national elections by the end of this year.

"As the leadership of UNSMIL transitions, we encourage the Libyan people to build upon their achievements and continue working towards ending the conflict," Blinken added.

He reiterated Washington's support for the Libyan vision of Libya being a peaceful, prosperous, and unified country with an inclusive government that can both secure the country and fulfills the economic and humanitarian needs of its people.