MOSCOW, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in Libya Sunday, attempting to foster better relations between the two nations through nuclear power.
During his two-day, working visit to the African nation, Lavrov is expected to meet with his Libyan counterpart, Abd al-Rahman Muhammad Shalgham, and offer his country support in its nuclear power efforts, RIA Novosti reported.
Prior to Lavrov's visit, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was vital that the two sides cooperate regarding the oil, gas and nuclear energy industries.
"We are ready to assist Libya in the implementation of its inalienable right to the benefits of civilian atomic energy," Russian spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said.
Kamynin told RIA Novosti the two foreign ministers also were expected to discuss key African issues, along with the current situation in Iraq.
"Together we call for maintaining territorial integrity in the country, full reconstruction of the sovereign rights of the Iraqi people, and nationwide reconciliation in Iraq," the foreign ministry official said.
