Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov said that Russia’s Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin will head to Tripoli, where the Russian diplomatic mission intends to resume its work.
Bogdanov, who also serves as the Russian President’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, added that Moscow is “counting on ensuring the security of its diplomatic mission in Libya.”
“The Ambassador of the Russian Federation will go to Libya.” He added that they consider the matter an important priority, according to the TASS news agency.
Earlier, Bogdanov said that Russia plans to reopen its Embassy in Tripoli soon, and plans to open a Consulate-General in Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city.
Last week, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit discussed the latest developments in Libya, with Bogdanov during a meeting in Cairo. They discussed settling the various crises in the Middle East and North Africa, and enhancing security and stability in the region.
Aboul Gheit’s Spokesman, Jamal Rushdi said Bogdanov outlined Moscow’s stance on Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
In February, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov met with the Special Representative for Libya and the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily in Moscow.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that “Lavrov renewed his commitment to cooperate with the United Nations Mission in Libya.”
He noted that “there is no alternative to achieving a just, long-term, and mutually acceptable settlement within the framework of the political process, led and implemented by the Libyans themselves.”
He urged the two parties to “coordinate international efforts in good faith, aimed at overcoming the protracted conflict with the leading role of the United Nations, and embrace intra-Libyan dialogue to reach the constitutional basis for holding elections.”
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
