The Libyan delegation is currently in Russia.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko met with Chairman of Libya’s High Council of State Mohammed Takala to discuss Russia-Libya relations and prospects for the two countries’ parliamentary cooperation.
Valentina Matvienko emphasised that the senators consider the visit very important as it testifies to the traditionally friendly relations between our countries and peoples. She noted that Mohammed Takala, a prominent political figure in the new Libya, supports the development of friendly relations with Russia. “We expect the Moscow meetings to give a new impetus to the advancement of the entire range of Russian-Libyan relations and, obviously, our interparliamentary ties.”
According to the Federation Council Speaker, Russia is making efforts to actively promote the Libyan political settlement both at the UN and at other international venues. “Restoring Libya’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as achieving national consensus, remain a priority,” she said.
Valentina Matvienko noted that Russia and Libya are working to develop their political dialogue amidst the many challenges of persistent instability, and suggested that interparliamentary relations should be enhanced, including in areas such as digitalisation of public administration and application of advanced technologies in law-making.
In her opinion, parliamentarians could play an essential role in creating favourable conditions for business. “Russian companies and organisations are showing interest in working in Libya,” she noted.
According to the Federation Council Speaker, efforts to resume the activities of the Russia-Libya Intergovernmental Commission, which has remained inactive for over 20 years, are of great importance for the development of bilateral cooperation.
Mohammed Takala said the visit is expected to take bilateral relations to a new level. He emphasised Russia’s essential role and stance in the efforts to create an atmosphere of trust in Libyan society, adding that Libya is ready to build cooperation with Russia in various areas such as politics, the economy, energy, industry, and agriculture.
The meeting participants agreed to establish parliamentary cooperation groups, develop a road map for interaction between lawmakers, and establish contacts for implementation.
They also discussed humanitarian ties, in particular, cooperation in education. According to the Chairman of Libya’s High Council of State, the number of students could be increased, including through launching branches of Russian education institutions in Libya. “We are interested in expanding cooperation in education, primarily in medicine,” he noted.
Valentina Matvienko noted the busy programme of the Libyan delegation’s visit, stressing the importance of touring the International RUSSIA EXPO forum and exhibition at VDNKh. “The exhibition represents all Russian regions and their unique cultural and ethnic diversity,” she said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security Vladimir Bulavin, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Irina Rukavishnikova, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Agriculture and Food Policy and Environmental Management Belan Khamchiev, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy Murat Khapsirokov, and Member of the Federation Council Committee on the Budget and Financial Markets Dina Oyun.