The Special Representative of the Russian President for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, affirmed Moscow’s support for efforts aimed at achieving a swift and comprehensive resolution to the crisis in Libya.
He underscored the importance of maintaining Libya’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, according to a statement by the Russian Embassy in Libya, on Wednesday.
Bogdanov’s statement came during a meeting with Libya’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohammed Maghrawi. The meeting was held at Maghrawi’s request.
During the meeting, Bogdanov and Maghrawi exchanged views on the situation in Libya and discussed ways to further develop the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Libya.
While Western powers accuse Russia of seeking to expand its influence and military presence in Libya through its ties with the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Benghazi, Moscow denies these allegations. Instead, Russia accuses the West of destroying Libya and interfering in its internal affairs.
Last Friday, the Russian Embassy in Libya announced that it will resume consular services in Tripoli starting June 1. The consular section will operate from the Radisson Blu Al Mahary Hotel on Al Fateh Street.
In a press release, the embassy detailed the new operating hours. The consular office will be open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, serving both Russian and foreign citizens. On Fridays, the office will exclusively serve Russian citizens from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The embassy also specified that documents related to citizenship matters will only be accepted on Fridays, with consular service payments to be made exclusively in US dollars and in cash.
The Russian Embassy had closed its doors in Tripoli in 2014 due to the deteriorating security situation in Libya at that time. The return of consular services marks a significant step towards re-establishing a Russian diplomatic presence in the Libyan capital, reflecting improved stability and bilateral relations.
