European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton visits Libya on Saturday to officially inaugurate the EU's new delegation in the country.

Ashton said in a statement that the opening of the delegation highlights the European body's commitment to having close ties with Tripoli.

During her visit, Ashton will also meet with top Libyan officials, including newly elected interim Prime Minister Abdel-Rahim al-Keeb and National Transitional Council Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil.

The EU says it has provided Libya with more than $213 million in humanitarian aid since the start of the conflict that ended with the ouster of Moammar Gadhafi. The group says it is making millions of additional dollars available to help support the interim government's stabilization.

In October, Libya's provisional leaders declared the country liberated from Gadhafi's 42-year rule. They announced plans to hold parliamentary and presidential elections within a year.