Russian Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu held talks in Moscow with Chairman of the Government of National Unity of Libya Abdel Hamid Dbeiba.
Opening the meeting, the head of the military department congratulated Abdel Hamid Dbeiba on his election as Chairman of the Government of National Unity.
The Defense Minister said that Russia's efforts have helped to achieve a political settlement in Libya and the cessation of hostilities, and Moscow expects the resumption of full-scale cooperation between the military departments of the two countries.
"I am confident that the Libyan people, friendly to Russia, will overcome the long-standing crisis that has arisen as a result of gross external interference. From the very beginning of the conflict, the Russian Federation has made serious efforts for its political settlement and the cessation of hostilities, which was successfully implemented as part of the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," Sergei Shoigu said.
According to the Defense Minister, relations between Russia and Libya have a long history. "I consider your visit to Moscow to be the first step towards restoring full - scale cooperation between the military departments of the two countries," Sergei Shoigu added.
He expressed confidence that " today's negotiations will give a serious impetus to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation."
In turn, Abdel Hamid Dbeiba said that his country expects to open a new page in relations with Russia. "We know that the Russian Federation has historically supported the Libyan people, and we have very close friendly ties and mutual respect. We want to give a new impetus to our cooperation, to build new bridges between our countries, " said the Chairman of the Government of National Unity (PNE) of Libya.
At the same time, Abdel Hamid Dbeiba expects that a new economic climate will be created in Libya, in which Russia will be present as a partner and will provide economic support to Libya. "We want to support life in Libya, so we need your support," the Head of the Government of National Unity said.
He expressed deep gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his support for the Libyan people, especially during the first and most difficult stages of the armed conflict in his country.
"We thank you for your support during the Berlin and Moscow conferences, where President Putin's support was shown, and this is very valuable for us," the Russian Defense Ministry quoted Abdel Hamid Dbeiba as saying.
