Russia's outgoing President Vladimir Putin will begin a visit to Libya Wednesday, in a move aimed at strengthening his country's influence in the Middle East.
Energy, debt and arms will dominate the discussions during the visit, one of his last before stepping down in May.
RUSSIA TO STRENGTHEN INFLUENCE IN MIDDLE EAST
The oil-rich African state had been an important partner of the former Soviet Union. But after the breakup of the bloc, relations between the two countries petered out as Russia's influence in the Middle East dwindled.
In recent years, Russia's national strength has grown considerably and the country is making efforts to strengthen its influence in the Middle East.
"On April 16-17, 2008, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Libya at the invitation of the head of the Libyan revolution Moamer Kadhafi," the Kremlin said Monday in a statement.
Putin's visit comes as Libya is being rehabilitated back in to the international community after years of isolation.
Libya's role in Africa and the Middle East has been strengthened since 2003, when the United Nations lifted 11 years of sanctions against it. This role is expected to be further enhanced with Libya becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from Jan. 1, 2008.
In December, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Libya, paving the way for the upcoming summit.
Lavrov had said after his visit to Libya that a package of agreements would be inked during the summit.
ENERGY, DEBT, ARMS DOMINATE PUTIN'S AGENDA
"The package of agreements that is expected to be adopted in the economic, political and military-technical spheres is rather impressive," said Lavrov, who had handed over a personal message from Putin to the Libyan leader.
Energy will top the agenda of Putin's two day visit in Libya. Russian energy giant Gazprom expressed its interest in Libya and a deal on a gas project is expected to be made, according to Russian media.
Libya has been seeking international cooperation in its nuclear energy project. This issue will also be discussed by the two leaders.
Libya had been a major buyer of Soviet weapons in the 1980s, with military hardware purchases ranging from fighter jets and helicopters to tanks and other equipment.
But following the Soviet breakup and the imposition of UN sanctions, the arms trade between the countries came to an end.
The revival of this trade, therefore, is another important topic for discussions. An aircraft industry source quoted by a Russian newspaper said Russia has prepared arms contracts worth 3 billion U.S. dollars for Putin's visit.
Besides, Putin will also negotiate the repayment of up to 3.5 billion dollars worth of Soviet-era debt to Russia, which Libya hopes to be dropped.
Last month, Putin told a parliamentary meeting that he would try to settle economic differences between the two countries.
Putin's visit to Libya is aimed not only at strengthening bilateral ties, but also heralding Moscow's return to the Middle East.
Source:Xinhua
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