Tripoli, 2 November:
Both Russia and China have welcomed the new Libyan government.
“This marks a new step in the political transition of . . .[restrict]Libya, and China welcomes it,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei in Beijing on Friday.
He added that China hoped it would open the doors to lasting political stability and prosperity in Libya and that relations between the two countries would improve.
“We are willing to work with Libya to further our friendly cooperative ties,” he added.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the formation of the new government was “an important stage” on the road to building a new Libya on democratic foundations and one that would meet the aspirations of all Libyans.
Relations between Libya and the two countries are generally viewed as poor because of their close links with the Qaddafi regime, the fact that they did not support the revolution and, now, because of their support for the Assad regime in Syria.
Qatar also sent its congratulations to Libya on the vote of confidence in Congress for the government. The state’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, telephoned Prime Minister Ali Zeidan on Thursday to convey his best wishes. According to the Qatar News Agency, the two discussed ways of further developing relations during the phone call. [/restrict]
