The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Government of National Unity said that the acting minister, Taher Al-Baour, visited the Russian capital, Moscow, on Tuesday, where he was received by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Last Sunday, the Presidential Council sent a letter to the head of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Dabaiba, ordering Al-Baour to be suspended from his duties related to foreign representation and demanding the nomination of a candidate to assume the position of “Foreign Minister in accordance with approved procedures.”

Discussions on Strengthening Libyan-Russian Relations

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement today that the visit to Moscow included Transport Minister Mohamed Al-Shahoubi, adding that the two sides reviewed Libyan-Russian relations, affirming their shared commitment to “advancing them toward broader horizons and strengthening frameworks for bilateral cooperation in various fields, in a manner that serves the common interests of both countries.”

The statement noted that the Libyan-Russian meeting involved an exchange of views on the most prominent current regional and international issues, emphasizing the need to adopt “dialogue as a strategic option for resolving crises, within the framework of full respect for the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, and their national decision-making independence.”

The ministry added that Al-Baour provided “a comprehensive briefing on the latest political and security developments in Libya.” It quoted the Russian minister as saying that his country “attaches particular importance to supporting efforts to restore national unity and achieve comprehensive reconciliation in Libya.”

Russian Foreign Minister: We Are Ready to Make an Active Contribution in Libya

Lavrov expressed Moscow’s readiness “to actively contribute to Libya in a way that enhances the prospects for stability and peace”; meanwhile, the two sides held a joint press conference, during which they reviewed the most significant outcomes reached, affirming their commitment to “continuing coordination and consultation to strengthen bilateral relations.”

Meeting in Turkey between Dabaiba and Lavrov

Last Saturday, the head of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Dabaiba, met with the Russian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, where they emphasized the urgent need to resolve “pending issues.”

The meeting addressed the need for “continued coordination and direct consultation, and prioritizing practical approaches that support the stability of relations and ensure their development on clear and balanced foundations.”