Political analyst Husam al-Din al-Abdali said that Libyan-Russian relations are historic and deep-rooted, spanning seventy years, stressing that they have always been good and strong.
Al-Abdali clarified in exclusive statements to Sputnik news agency that Libya officially recognized Russia following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, and cooperative relations between the two countries continued, especially in the defense and military fields, in addition to energy, agriculture, and other sectors.
He pointed out that Russia has never had a colonial history with Libya or any Arab country, which is a credit to it since the Soviet era. He noted that Russia did not abandon Libya despite economic difficulties, just as Libya did not hesitate to stand by Russia as a friendly nation.
Al-Abdali stressed that Libya is considered one of the most important countries on the African continent and in the Arab Maghreb, and that its geographical location and its possession of the longest Mediterranean coastline, at 1,770 kilometers, have made it the gateway to Africa and the most significant influencer on the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, a fact Russia is well aware of.
He emphasized the need to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the agricultural sector through strategic projects such as wheat cultivation. He also called on Russia to play a positive role in supporting the Libyan people and pushing for solutions that preserve the unity of Libyan territory amid the political division.
Al-Abdali explained that Russia possesses influential political tools at the international level, especially through the Security Council, which qualifies it to play a major role in pushing for a comprehensive solution that ends the political division and spares Libya the specter of any future civil war.
He added that Libyans are hopeful for a serious Russian initiative to resolve the political crisis, leveraging its relations with major powers like the United States and China to return Libya to the path of prosperity and prevent any destabilizing foreign interventions.
Al-Abdali concluded his remarks by affirming the Libyan people’s hope that the Ukrainian crisis will be resolved through peaceful means, referring to President Vladimir Putin’s statements regarding his desire for peace, considering it a reflection of the Russian leadership’s wisdom. He expressed his confidence that Libyan-Russian relations will witness even greater development in the future.