On Tuesday, the Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba held talks with the newly-appointed Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Rashidovich Aganin.
The primary focus of their discussions was the resumption of Moscow’s diplomatic activities in Libya.
An official statement detailed that both parties agreed to relocate the Russian Embassy back to Tripoli, by August.
During the meeting, Dbaiba highlighted the importance of a “united international stance concerning Libya.” He emphasized the need for “recognition and respect for the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while urging an end to all forms of foreign interventions.”
Aganin relayed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s affirmation of the need to strengthen bilateral ties with Libya. Putin also expressed his support for the GNU’s endeavours toward ensuring stability and conducting successful elections.
On Monday, Aganin lauded Libya’s Presidential Council’s efforts in striving for peace and stability. This praise came during his meeting with Mohamed Al-Mnifi, the Head of the Presidential Council, shortly after Aganin presented his credentials.
In press statements, Ambassador Aganin confirmed that “Russia has fully resumed its diplomatic presence in Libya. The Russian Embassy is now in a position to foster and enhance its historic friendship with Libya.”
He confirmed that “the security situation in Libya has significantly improved. The country is gradually shifting towards peaceful development, where disputes among Libyan politicians are settled through dialogue. Indeed, Russia’s diplomatic presence in Libya has been fully restored, and we now look forward to strengthening our traditional friendship ties.”
The Russian diplomat underscored that his Libyan counterparts “have demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with Russia, seeking its assessments and viewpoints. This diplomatic development reflects Russia’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its relations with Libya, marking an optimistic future for Russian-Libyan diplomatic engagement.”
Aganin is a Russian diplomat and former journalist who headed Russia Today’s Arabic news service from 2007 to 2011. He also served as the Representative of the Russian Federation to the Palestinian National Authority. As well as a diplomat in Jordan, Iraq, and the US.
