Russian President, Vladimir Putin has emphasised the importance of cooperation with Libya, within the framework of the OPEC+ group.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa summit, Putin said that the step helps to stabilise the energy market. He also reaffirmed Russia’s support for Libya’s sovereignty.
The Libyan Presidential Council’s Head, Mohamed Al-Mnifi, spoke earlier on Friday at the summit in St. Petersburg.
Al-Mnifi called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya, and support for national reconciliation efforts. He also emphasised the need for “partnerships to replace subordination in relations with Africa,” and urged for the “alleviation of debt burdens on African countries.”
Al-Mnifi further stated that the Presidential Council “seeks to establish infrastructure projects in collaboration with Russia.”
He also pointed out to the “historical deprivation” of Africa’s representation in the United Nations Security Council. As well as calling for modifications to the system of permanent and non-permanent membership in the Security Council.
Earlier this month, Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin, affirmed that the Ukrainian situation “does not impede the evolution of Russia’s full-fledged relations with Libya, encompassing even the realm of military and technical cooperation.”
In press statements, Aganin emphasised that “the intensification of relations with Libya would commence from education, medicine, and commerce. It would also extend to the supply of agricultural crops and oils. “
He further stated that Russia could “assist Libyan authorities on pressing matters such as migration, drug smuggling, and oil via the Ministry of Interior.”
Last month, the Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba held talks with the newly-appointed 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.