Russia is ready for further contacts and coordination of efforts with Turkey to promote the political process and de-escalation of tensions in Libya, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
“The situation in Libya is of reasonable concern to both us and Ankara. As already mentioned, this topic was discussed in a number of bilateral contacts at the highest and high levels, including the visit of the President of the Russian Federation to Libya. The visit of President Putin to Turkey on 8 January. We appreciate the fact that Turkish partners remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the Libyan conflict, first and foremost in the context of the ongoing preparations for a multilateral forum on Libya under the auspices of the United Nations. We confirm our readiness for further exchange of views with the Turkish side and coordination of our countries’ efforts in the interests of advancing the political process and de-escalation of tension in this country”, – said the Russian diplomatic mission’s responses to the questions received by the media for the press conference on the results of the Russian diplomacy in 2019.
Following the overthrow and assassination of Libyan leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi in 2011, Libya effectively ceased to function as a single State. It is now a dual State. In the east, a parliament elected by the people sits, while in the west, in the capital, Tripoli, the Government of National Accord, formed with the support of the UN and the European Union, rules. The authorities in the eastern part of the country operate independently of Tripoli and cooperate with the Libyan National Army, Marshal Khalifa Haftar.