Angelina Jolie visits Libya to see “a country in transition”

Angelina Jolie is visiting Libya "to see a country in transition" and meet with aid agencies working to help Libyans in Tripoli in Misrata, Reuters reported Tuesday.

Jolie is a goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency, but is visiting Libya in a "personal capacity," a UNHCR spokesman told the Associated Press.

"I have come to Libya for a variety of reasons, to see a country in transition at every level and to witness efforts to fully realize the promise of the Arab Spring," Jolie said in a statement, according to Reuters.

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"The country faces a host of challenges, including internally displaced people, refugees, rule of law, security, sanitation, education, health and other humanitarian needs. All of these pieces must be delivered and coordinated properly in an environment of reconciliation and justice," Jolie said.

"I will be meeting with officials from all sides but above all, listening to the local people in the street. I am here to express solidarity with them. It is the work of rebuilding and recovery that will determine Libya's future," she added.

In April, Jolie traveled to Tunisia and met with Libyan refugees who had fled across the border and were living in makeshift camps. In June, she visited Libyan refugees in Malta and on the Italian island of Lampedusa. 

Jolie, an actress known for her high-profile marriage to Brad Pitt and large brood of children, has visited dozens of countries to promote the cause of refugees during her 10 years as goodwill ambassador for the UNHCR.

The Geneva-based agency said last week that it was discussing an expanded role for Jolie in her work with refugees.