Libya's western-based presidency council stresses strengthening partnership with Russia

TRIPOLI, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Deputy President of the Libyan Presidency Council Abdullah Allafi stressed here on Monday the importance of strengthening partnership with Russia to support Libya's political process "led by the Presidency Council."

Allafi made his remarks during a meeting with a Russian delegation headed by Alexander Kinshchak, director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, according to a statement by the Presidency Council.

"The meeting touched on the latest political developments in Libya and stressed the importance of supporting the peaceful process to address the country's political impasse," the statement said.

During the discussion, Allafi highlighted the need for international and regional efforts to push for comprehensive national elections that would ensure lasting stability in the country, it added.

For its part, the Russian delegation affirmed its country's commitment to continuing coordination with the Libyan Presidency Council, supporting efforts for stability, and working to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the defense and economic areas, according to the statement.

The two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Since the fall of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced fragmentation. The country is now divided between two administrations: the eastern-based government in Tobruk, supported by the House of Representatives, and the western-based government in Tripoli, backed by the Presidency Council. Enditem