A Tunisian employee of his country’s embassy in the Libyan capital has been kidnapped, the foreign ministry in Tunis said on Saturday.

A Tunisian employee of his country's embassy in the Libyan capital has been kidnapped, the foreign ministry in Tunis said on Saturday.

It had information that the man, "a local agent", was kidnapped by unknown assailants on Friday.

The ministry said it was in contact with Libyan authorities to obtain more information and to step up efforts to secure his release.

Tunisia was urging Libyan authorities "to ensure the protection of all employees and agents of diplomatic missions and consulates in Libya," it said.