German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks, including the situation in Libya.
Merkel is on an official visit to Moscow, coming at a time when various parts of the world are dogged by conflict and tension.
During their talks on Saturday, Merkel and Putin will also touched on the Syria conflict as well as Ukraine’s war with pro-Russian separatists.
“There is a lot to discuss,” said Merkel, adding that “talking with one another is always better than talking about one another.”
Putin on his part thanked the chancellor for honoring his invitation and said they would focus on “the hottest” topics.
Russia has taken a key interest in the Libya crisis, holding talks with various world leaders and fronting dialogue as a solution.
Libya has been dogged by war since December 2011, and the situation heightened in early 2019 when self-styled Gen. Khalifa Hafter pledged to take over Tripoli from the U.N.-backed government led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.
Hafter announced in early December a final push to take Tripoli from Sarraj’s government, unleashing heavy clashes on the southern edges of the city.
Since 2011, the Libyan war has killed thousands and displaced millions as militant groups and human trafficking cells sought to impose their command in various regions across the country.
Last week, France and Egypt called for the “greatest restraint” by Libyan and international authorities to avoid an escalation of the conflict that has rocked the country for months.
