Speaking at the Libyan Women`s Rights Forum, Ashton said that the EU would continue to support civil society in Libya, especially "women and young people, who have a major role to play in shaping Libya`s future."
She also opened the EU mission in Tripoli nine months after the protests urging Libyan late leader Muammar Gaddafi to step down began on February 15.
"Opening a fully-fledged EU delegation in Tripoli underlines the EU`s commitment to our close relationship with the Libyan people, both during the political transition and in the long term," Ashton said.
Ashton`s visit precedes Monday's EU ministerial meeting that will consider measures to help Libya recover from the months-long conflict.
The EU is one of the biggest contributors of humanitarian aid to Libya. The bloc has donated 155 million euros ($213 mln) so far, according to EU diplomats. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
