TRIPOLI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- An official with the eastern-based Libyan House of Representatives, the parliament, on Thursday voiced its keenness to strengthen cooperation with Russia in all fields.
Youssef Al-Aqouri, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives, made the remarks during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Libya Aydar Rashidovich Aganin in the eastern city of Benghazi, where they discussed cooperation between the two countries, said a statement issued by the House of Representatives.
The two officials discussed the laws for the upcoming elections in Libya, which the parliament approved recently, as well as cooperation between the two countries in education, civil safety and disaster response, it said.
Al-Aqouri stressed the historical relations between the two countries and the House of Representatives' keenness to strengthen the cooperation with Russia in all fields, it added.
Al-Aqouri also thanked Russia for helping to evacuate all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, supporting the fight against terrorism in the country, and providing assistance in the recent deadly floods in eastern Libya, the statement added.
The Russian ambassador stressed his country's keenness to help Libya in holding elections and to strengthen cooperation in order to serve the interests of the peoples of the two countries.
Aganin also confirmed that work is underway to open a Russian consulate in Benghazi soon, the statement said.
Libya, an oil-rich country, is politically divided between eastern and western governments. Each administration is backed by armed groups and militias. ■