The Tripoli based Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed yesterday that over the previous three days, the respective capitals of Tripoli and Moscow hosted events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Libya and Russia.
On the occasion, Taher Al-Baour, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, delivered a recorded speech at the celebration held by the Libyan Embassy in Moscow. In it he said, “This anniversary is not just a passing memory, but rather a testament to the deep, strong, and multifaceted ties between our two friendly peoples.”
“Seventy years has been a long journey filled with challenges and changes, and, most importantly, a constant desire to develop and strengthen our bilateral relations, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries on 4 September 1955.”
He concluded his remarks by saying, “The Russian Federation has always supported the state of Libya on the international stage, and the Libyan people have appreciated these positive positions. Today, in light of the complex international situation, the importance of close interaction and coordination between Libya and Russia is even more evident. We are confident that our partnership is capable of this and should play a stronger pivotal role in ensuring regional and global security, as well as in promoting joint development.”
For his part, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated that Moscow, on this occasion, “renews its commitment to supporting Libya’s unity and stability.” In a media briefing, she said, “Relations between the two countries are characterized by a long history and deep-rooted traditions.” She noted that the technical support provided by the former Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation contributed to the construction of dozens of vital projects in Libya, stressing that Russia consistently calls for preserving Libya’s unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
She concluded her remarks by emphasizing Moscow’s firm commitment to continuing to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Libya in various fields on the basis of mutual benefit, thus contributing to consolidating stability and security in the Middle East and North Africa region.
At a celebration held by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tripoli, attended by Mr. Amhamed Zidan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Expatriate Affairs, the Russian Ambassador to Libya, Haidar Aghanin, affirmed that relations between the State of Libya and the Russian Federation are based on solid foundations of friendship and mutual respect. He expressed his confidence that cooperation between the two countries will continue to serve the interests of the two friendly peoples and enhance stability in the region.
To commemorate this anniversary, the Libyan Russian-Speaking Association organized a celebratory cultural event in Tripoli, with official and academic participation. The first Libyan Russian conference was also held, organized by the Libyan Centre for Research and Studies, which featured a photo exhibition documenting the most prominent milestones in cooperation between the two countries. The event was attended by Libyan diplomats and a high-level Russian delegation, including representatives from the Russian National Library and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Libyan Foreign Ministry noted that diplomatic relations between Libya and Russia date back to 2 September 1955, when the first diplomatic representation between the two countries was established at the ambassadorial level. This move was considered at the time a significant strategic decision that paved the way for broad-based cooperation.
