Russia has reaffirmed its support for Libya’s national unity while announcing plans to reopen its consulate in Benghazi, signalling renewed diplomatic and economic engagement with the country.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow’s main goal is to help restore unity and stability in Libya. He made the remarks during talks with Libya’s acting foreign minister Taher Al-Baour, stressing Russia’s readiness to support reconciliation efforts.
Lavrov said Russia has maintained contact with Libyan leaders across the country, including recent discussions with Abdul Hamid Dbeibah on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as well as meetings with representatives from Benghazi. He said these efforts aim to engage all regions of Libya.
He confirmed that Russia plans to reopen its consulate in Benghazi in the near future, alongside maintaining its embassy in Tripoli. The consulate had previously operated in the city before suspending activities in 1993.
Lavrov also said Russia is preparing to host a Libyan delegation at the upcoming Russia-Africa summit in Moscow later this year, reflecting efforts to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation.
The discussions included plans to revive a joint intergovernmental committee to support the return of Russian companies to Libya. Sectors of interest include oil, transport, and education, as both sides seek to rebuild economic cooperation.
Al-Baour said the talks focused on activating previous agreements and creating a favourable environment for Russian firms to re-enter the Libyan market. He added that both sides agreed to develop practical mechanisms to implement joint initiatives.
For Libya, renewed international engagement could support economic recovery and infrastructure development. However, political divisions and security challenges continue to complicate foreign investment and long-term stability.
Analysts say progress will depend on successful reconciliation efforts and the ability of Libyan institutions to unify and ensure a stable environment for international partners.