Angelina Jolie visits Libya to help aid agencies

Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie has flown down to Libya to help aid agencies bring in supplies to the country.

The 36-year-old is visiting Tripoli and Misrata for a two-day trip as part of her role as a United Nations goodwill ambassador to see how aid is reaching the rebels and ordinary citizens following the removal of dictator Muammar Gaddafi's 41-year regime.

Jolie insisted it was an honour for her to witness a country fighting for change.

"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 realise the promise of the Arab Spring. 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 co-ordinated properly in an environment of reconciliation and justice," she 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," Jolie said.

This is Jolie's first visit to Libya, but she earlier visited Libyan refugees in Malta and on the Italian island of Lampedusa. She also went to Tunisia to appeal for international support for people fleeing the revolution there.