Russian Foreign Minister in Libya to talk gas production

Russian Foreign Minister in Libya to Talk Gas Production

12-24-2007

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov left for Libya for a two-day visit on Sunday to discuss closer bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues. Main issues to discuss are energy and cooperation in gas production.

Lavrov will also hold talks with his Libyan counterpart, Abd al-Rahman Muhammad Shalgham, on international and regional issues, including cooperation in multilateral areas, especially in the United Nations. Also on the agenda will be the situation in Iraq and the Middle East as a whole, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said.

Libya is Russia's long-time partner in the Arab world and Africa. The two countries have maintained political dialogue and cooperation in various areas, Kamynin said, adding it is important to focus on boosting cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

Russian gas giant Gazprom and oil company Tatneft have started field development in Libya.

The two countries are also considering joint projects in power generation, pipelines, housing and railway construction.

Russia is ready to help Libya in the peaceful use of atomic energy, Kamynin said.

Russia is also ready for close cooperation with Libya in the UN Security Council based on common approaches to most international issues, he said.