The US State Department announced that its ambassador, Richard Norland, will also act as a special envoy to Libya in addition to his task as head of the diplomatic mission there.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement published by the ministry that Norland, through his role as a special envoy to the United States, will lead the US diplomatic efforts to enhance international support for a Libyan-led, inclusive, and negotiated political solution to the conflict facilitated through the UN.

"The addition of the Special Envoy role to Ambassador Norland’s Chief of Mission responsibilities signifies the importance we attach to focused, high-level diplomatic outreach in support of the Libyan political process culminating in elections in December of this year,", the Department spokesman said, indicating that Norland's new capacity would allow him to work closely with key partners to strengthen efforts to keep the political process on the right track and ensure the removal of foreign forces from Libya.

"Ambassador Norland also will work closely with interagency colleagues in Washington, civil society, and humanitarian partners to further the US role in actively supporting the Libyan people as they seek lasting peace, security, and prosperity in their country.  The Special Envoy will also keep Congress closely informed of our efforts, the statement read.

The US State Department noted that Ambassador Norland is a long-standing diplomat in the diplomatic corps and has been ambassador three times, and he has held the position of head of the American diplomatic mission in Libya's foreign office in Tunisia since August 2019.