Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his country's readiness to support the political process in Libya, aiming for a consensual and sustainable political settlement. This came during his meeting with the head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Menfi, on the sidelines of the eighth summit of leaders of states and governments of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow, according to a statement from the Presidential Council on Wednesday.
The statement conveyed Putin's reaffirmation of Russia's supportive stance towards Libya's unity, sovereignty, and independence of its national decision-making. The Russian president emphasized his country's readiness to contribute to advancing the Libyan political process, based on "pure Libyan ownership," with the participation of Libyan constitutional institutions, leading to a consensual and sustainable political settlement.
The statement clarified that "the Russian position stems from Moscow's responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council." In this context, Putin stressed the importance of Libya's role in "expanding the horizons of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the African Union, and enhancing partnership between the two sides in various fields."
For his part, al-Menfi affirmed Libya's commitment to "supporting the course of joint cooperation with the Russian Federation and resuming the work of the Libyan-Russian Joint Commission, as well as the return of Russian companies to work in Libya and contribute to the development and reconstruction process." He stressed the importance of continuing "consultation and coordination regarding bilateral relations and supporting and advancing the political process in Libya."
Libya is experiencing a political crisis amid the existence of two governments: one, the Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibah, based in Tripoli; and the second, led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives in early 2022, based in Benghazi. The United Nations mediates dialogues between Libyan parties to reach a consensual constitutional base.
Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation
Putin stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between Libya and Russia in the field of energy security, given the strategic importance of this sector in supporting the economic interests of both countries. These talks come amid continued international efforts to end the political conflict in Libya and reach a consensual settlement that ends the country's division.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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