“Russia is an important partner that can help us balance our international relations, and we believe that Russia’s active presence in the region can help establish balance at the regional and international levels, which Libya greatly needs, particularly amid pressure and attempts to influence its sovereignty and decision-making,” al-Menfi said.
“Despite pressure from the West regarding contacts with Russia, we remain convinced that expanding cooperation with Russia is a very important choice for us, serves Libya’s interests, and gives us new opportunities to defend our freedom of decision-making,” he added.
Al-Menfi called for translating political understandings into practical projects covering oil, gas, infrastructure and reconstruction. He expressed hope for the return of Russian oil companies, noting that Libya’s oil minister had joined the delegation to initiate direct negotiations. He also sought closer military and security cooperation, continued contacts between General Staff representatives, and Russian support for intra-Libyan dialogue.
Putin called for the swift resumption of full operations by the bilateral intergovernmental commission, whose co-chairs met in Moscow in April. He also cited expanding trade, coordination through OPEC+ and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and Russia’s training of 1,500 Libyan students and 25 diplomats from Tripoli and Benghazi.
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