Deputy head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Musa Al-Koni, recently met with the Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin, to talk about making relations between the two countries better in multiple sectors.
Al-Koni talked about restarting the Libyan-Russian Joint Committee, activating old agreements, resuminh stalled projects, especially the the Libyan railway project.
Al-Koni highlighted Russia and Libya’s strategic partnership, and the need to focus on stabilising the country and supporting its economy for sustainable development.
Al-Koni reiterated the Presidential Council’s neutrality and support for the UN envoy’s efforts towards a comprehensive dialogue to end political deadlock and hold fair elections.
The Russian Ambassador outlined his country’s vision for enhancing Libyan-Russian relations, aiming for increased economic and academic cooperation and development projects.
He confirmed Russia’s embassy in Tripoli resuming full operations due to improved stability, expressing Moscow’s readiness to enhance cooperation through the Joint Committee.
Discussions also covered ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, with Al-Koni reaffirming Libya’s stance against it and appreciating Russia’s position. He called for unified international action on the Palestinian issue.
According to a statement by the Presidential Coiuncil, the meeting addressed recent developments locally and regionally, along with various political and economic topics of mutual interest.
Earlier this month, Aganin stated that the opening of the Russian Consulate General in Benghazi has been postponed for now.
In an interview with RIA Novosti agency, Aganin noted that the Russian embassy in Tripoli maintains communication with both western Libya, under the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, and eastern Libya under the Government of National Stability (GNS) led by Osama Hamad.
“But so far, this process is not smooth, as the authorities in Tripoli do not currently see the Russian diplomatic presence in the east as serving the interests of the entire Libyan people. Hence, the opening of the consulate in Benghazi has been postponed for reasons not fully explained,” he said.
However, Aganin expressed hope for a “positive response in the near future,” while the Russian embassy continues its efforts to convince Libyan leaders of the necessity of this step.
