Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks in Moscow on Thursday with his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush.
They agreed on the mechanisms needed to push forward the political settlement in Libya and the need to bolster relations between Moscow and Tripoli.
Lavrov said he was honored to welcomed Libya’s first woman foreign minister.
A Russian foreign ministry statement has said Moscow was looking forwards to talks with Mangoush as it would mark a significant new step towards constructive cooperation between Russia and Libya.
The talks focused on developments in Libya and the comprehensive settlement amid the ongoing negotiations between the various Libyan parties.
The ministry said both sides have an important opportunity to increase the trade exchange and pave the way for more active cooperation and investment.
After talks with Mangoush, Lavrov said her visit took place at a “very critical” time when the fate of Libya was being decided.
With the strong backing of the international community, the Libyans have managed to take the first steps towards a final settlement that would end their country’s conflict through national reconciliation and building a stable and prosperous state, he added.
Lavrov said Moscow supports the decisions of the 5+5 military committee, stressing the need to end foreign military presence in Libya.
Moscow is ready to take part in working on and coordinating the withdrawal of the foreign troops, he stated.
The Russian official was also briefed on efforts to hold elections in Libya in December.
For her part, Mangoush underlined the role Russia has been playing in the Libyan political process.
She said the withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries demands a realistic approach, adding that Tripoli was looking forward to Moscow’s help in unifying the Libyan military.
