Ahmad 
Russia’s ambassador to Libya, Haidar Aganin, said in an interview with RT that Russian policy in Libya is not based on favoring one party over another.
Aghanin pointed out that the division of power centers in Libya calls on Moscow to negotiate with all parties, stressing that Russia plays a key role to resolve the Libyan crisis, as it hosted the two parties to the conflict in Moscow under the title “Libyan-Libyan dialogue.”
Agnin noted that the Russian position focuses on unifying the country and institutions, while stressing the need to hold presidential and parliamentary elections to form a legitimate authority.
The Russian ambassador explained that the messages he communicates to Libyan officials during his meetings are messages of motivation and encouragement, stressing his refusal to interfere with dictates and issuing instructions, and describing the positions of the Libyan parties as “contradictory”, which hinders reaching a real consensus.
The international community is aware of the need to end the state of division in Libya and shift towards stability, he said, noting the importance of supporting economic stability, cooperation in the fields of oil and the reconstruction of affected areas.
Regarding bilateral relations, Aganin explained that Russia has an economic presence in Libya through oil and railway companies.
On the other hand, Aghanin considered that the impact of political conflicts on the economic relationship between the two countries is natural in light of the competition for the greatest interests in Libya.
He added: “It was the West that brought Libya to this crisis, for example, Libya was playing an important role in combating illegal immigration to Europe, but NATO, with its incorrect interventions, destroyed the border guard system that protected their coasts.”
He pointed to Russia’s role in the reconstruction of affected areas in the east, noting the importance of Libya as one of the largest importers of wheat and barley from Russia.
Regarding scientific and cultural cooperation, Aghanin stressed the increase in the number of scholarships offered by Russia to Libyan students and the facilitation of visa procedures.
Aghanen concluded his speech by stressing the importance of striking a balance between economic relations and political challenges in Libya.