Russia’s envoy to Africa, Mikhail Margelov, arrived in Tripoli on Wednesday for talks with the Libyan leadership.
Margelov will hold meetings with the leaders of the newly formed government of Libya and the leadership of the National Transitional Council to discuss the prospects for political and economic ties between the two countries.
“Russia is interested in developing and deepening Russian-Libyan relations in all areas, and there is a great opportunity for this,” Margelov said.
"We plan to continue our talks about the fate of Russian economic projects in Libya that were initiated under the deposed regime,” Margelov added.
“The rebels have promised to respect our economic interests in their country. Now they are the authority. It’s time to show allegiance to these promises,” Margelov said.
Following eight months of fierce fighting, which claimed hundreds of lives and devastated the economy, the Libyan Transitional National Council established control over the oil-rich country.
Deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi, who had ruled Libya for 42 years, was killed in October after being captured by rebel forces near his home town of Sirte.
