Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed with the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Malta Evarist Bartolo a settlement in Libya, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to help create conditions for reconciliation of the warring parties in the interests of a settlement under the auspices of the UN, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
A telephone conversation between Lavrovo and Bartolo took place on June 10 at the initiative of the Maltese side.
“In discussing international issues, special attention was paid to the Libyan settlement, including in the context of the need to stabilize the security situation and illegal migration in the Mediterranean. The mood of Moscow and Valletta to help create conditions for reconciliation of the warring parties in Libya in the interests of politico-diplomatic UN-sponsored settlement”, – the report said.
During the conversation, the ministers exchanged views on ways to intensify bilateral relations. The Maltese minister highlighted the interest of his country in the consistent development of political dialogue, inter-parliamentary, cultural and humanitarian contacts with the Russian Federation, the department noted.
“In the context of the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism, it was noted on both sides that today the joint steps that need to be taken within the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE to stop attempts to glorify Nazism, falsify history and the results of World War II are becoming particularly relevant.” , – added to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The ministers also spoke in favor of continuing work on the line of foreign affairs agencies in order to implement the previously reached agreements on expanding the legal framework of bilateral relations. The importance was noted of completing negotiations on draft documents on the fight against crime, humanitarian operations in the event of a crisis, the deployment of diplomatic missions, the development of Russian-Maltese trade and economic cooperation, youth and sports relations, the report said.
During the conversation, Lavrov and Bartolo expressed mutual interest in more fully revealing the existing potential of investment interaction.
“It was agreed to encourage contacts in the health sector, including on problems caused by coronavirus infection”, – the department added.