TRIPOLI, April 30 (Xinhua) - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inaugurated its office here on Thursday, under the theme "Celebrating education, culture and science with UNESCO," according to a statement by the government-affiliated platform "Hakomitna."

Libya's Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah called the opening an important step reflecting Libya's return to the international stage, signaling the country's readiness to strengthen partnerships, cooperation and openness to the world.

Dbeibeh stressed that real investment begins with people and knowledge, highlighting that education and culture form the foundation for development and stability. He reaffirmed the government's support for efforts to enhance Libya's presence in education, scientific research, and heritage protection.

For his part, Mohamed Sharaf, director of UNESCO's office for the Maghreb region, said that Libya was among the first Arab countries to join the organization, noting that UNESCO's return to operating from within the country reflects the depth of historical ties and cooperation.

UNESCO had previously managed its activities in Libya indirectly through regional offices, mainly from Tunisia, without a permanent, fully mandated national office. Following the 2011 fall of Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi, the organization's direct field presence declined due to security conditions, shifting operations abroad until Thursday's official opening of a permanent office in Tripoli. ■