On 28 April, the Russian delegation headed by Alexander Kinshchak, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, met PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba. According to the Government of National Unity (GNU), Kinshchak delivered to Dabaiba a verbal message from the Russian leadership that emphasized the importance of bilateral relations between Libya and Russia and the need to activate the Libyan-Russian Joint High Committee. Dabaiba said he valued the message and stressed the ‘importance of building balanced cooperative relations with Russia, respecting Libya’s sovereignty and supporting its stability.’
The Russian delegation also held talks with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Taher al-Baour, in the presence of the Russian Ambassador to Libya Aydar Aganin, discussing ways to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries. The parties emphasized the importance of continued coordination and political consultation, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.
Finally, the Russian delegation met with Presidential Council Deputy Abdullah al-Lafi in the presence of the Chief of General Staff of the Libyan Army Muhammed al-Haddad and his associates, as well as the ambassador of Russia to Libya, and the military attachment of the Russian embassy. The PC said they discussed the importance of supporting a peaceful path to address the current political blockade. The meeting explored activating the role of the Joint High Committee in order to increase military and security cooperation, ensuring the capacity building of the Libyan army and the modernization of its institutions according to modern professional standards.
On its part, the Russian delegation affirmed Russia ‘will continue to coordinate with the Libyan Presidential Council, support stability efforts, and work to promote bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of military training, combating terrorism, border security, in addition to economic and investment cooperation in vital sectors.’