SIRIUS /federal territory/, November 12. /TASS/. Libya invites Russian companies to cooperate in geological exploration and oil production, Acting Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Libyan Government of National Unity Taher al-Bawr said in an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the First Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference.

"Of course, Russian companies - now we invite them to submit their proposals for [geological] exploration," he said, answering a question about Libya's interest in cooperation with Russian companies in geological exploration and oil production. "But nevertheless, work in this industry is still subject to certain rules - economic, legislative and others. So, tenders are always open to everyone, they are not closed to any particular country," he noted.

Libya is also working on the full return of Tatneft to the country, Taher al-Bawr added.

"We hope that the National Oil Coproration and Tatneft will reach a certain agreement. Perhaps in the following period we will witness trips of Tatneft delegations to Libya to conduct negotiations in this area," he noted.