World leaders agreed on Thursday to free up billions of dollars worth of frozen Libyan assets to help the country's interim rulers restore vital services and start rebuilding after a six-month war that ended Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule.

Turkey, which once had close ties with Gaddafi, is expected to take a leading role in efforts to rebuild Libya, eyeing billion dollar deals and hoping to extend its influence in north Africa.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said in February that NATO intervention in Libya was "out of the question", but Ankara shifted its position as Gaddafi grew more isolated internationally.

It reluctantly backed NATO operations, called on Gaddafi to step down and recognised his opponents, the National Transitional Council, as the legitimate government. Ankara has provided the NTC with $300 million in cash, loans and other aid.

The foreign ministry said the new ambassador left Ankara on Thursday and was travelling via Tunisia to Tripoli.