On 7 May in the evening, Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar arrived for an official visit in Moscow where he was received by the Russian Deputy Minister of Defence (MoD) Yunus-Bek Yevkurov in a very friendly atmosphere with a full military reception. Haftar was accompanied by the Secretary General of the LNA Khairi al-Tamimi and his son Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff of the LNA Security Units, among others.
On 8 May, Khalifa Haftar met Russian National Security Advisor Sergei Shoigu to discuss bilateral cooperation, efforts to stabilize Libya, Russian support for reconstruction in LNA-controlled areas, and regional stability in North Africa and the Sub- Saharan region. Both sides emphasized the depth of the historic relations between the two countries and the importance of continued coordination that serves common interests and – according to them – promotes regional and international peace and security.
On 9 May, Haftar and his sons Khaled and Saddam (who arrived separately from the others in Moscow) attended the ‘Victory Day Parade’ in Moscow. They were official guests in the distinguished visitors’ tribune, albeit somewhat further away from President Putin. After the parade, Haftar had a brief encounter with the Russian President.
On 10 May, Haftar was received by Putin in the Kremlin for an official meeting. While Haftar thanked Putin for the ongoing Russian support and commitment to Libya, Putin expressed the Russian interest in continuing the cooperation, which is of strategic value to both sides.
Earlier in the day, the LNA Commander and his delegation met with the Russian Minister of Defense Andrey Removich Belousov. During the meeting the Russian military presence in Libya and further military cooperation was discussed and coordinated, especially with regards to the training of LNA cadres in Russia, joint training and exercises programs, intelligence sharing and the delivery of military hardware to the LNA. Belousov expressed his appreciation for Haftar’s role in establishing security and stability in Libya as well as for his continued support for regional stability and the enhancement of regional security. The strategic partnership between the two countries serves their common interests.
Also on 10 May, the Russian ambassador to Libya Aydar Aganin stated that the continuation of the current situation in Libya is neither in the interest of Libya nor in the interest of the neighbouring countries. Russia wants to see a return of stability, the unification of the country and full self determination of the Libyan people. Russia is keen to cooperate with the various representatives of the Libyans.