Russia has reopened its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Thursday - seven months after the Presidential Council has approved the credentials of Russian ambassador, Aydar Aghanin, as Moscow plans to open a general consulate in Benghazi this year.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Libyan-Russian Joint Committee, the Minister of Oil and Gas in the Government of National Unity, Mohammed Oun, and the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Mabrouka Toggi.
Oun said that the reopening of the Russian embassy in Tripoli was an important step that would strengthen friendly relations and joint cooperation, considering it a strong message to the international community that Libya had become more stable and secure, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Oil.
Oun indicated that joint cooperation in the field of energy, oil and gas was one of the most important and prominent aspects of joint cooperation, hailing Russia's announcement of the imminent opening of the consulate.
The Russian ambassador said in a speech he delivered in Arabic: “We consider today an important day in the relationship between the Russian Federation and Libya, and that cooperation between the two countries is entering a new era,” indicating that on September 25, 2025, the Russian embassy will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Libyan-Russian relations.
"Diplomacy is the best means of communication and dialogue among countries to reach stability and common understanding,” stressing that peace and development are not an option but a definite necessity. He indicated that the embassy was about to open a general consulate in the city of Benghazi this year, according to what was reported by Russia Today website.
In a previous statement to the Novosti Agency, the Russian ambassador confirmed that the opening of the Russian Consulate General in Benghazi has been postponed for the time being, following a negative response from the Government of National Unity, for “reasons that have not been explained.”
He indicated that the Russian embassy in Tripoli, in addition to the western part of the country, which is controlled by the Government of National Unity, is also communicating with eastern Libya, but the matter so far was not going smoothly, as “the authorities in Tripoli do not see that the Russian diplomatic presence in The east serves the interests of the entire Libyan people."
