MOSCOW, November 30. /TASS/. Russia and Libya have great potential for cooperation in various fields, State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said at a meeting with Mohammed Takala, head of Libya’s High State Council.

"Russia and Libya have great potential for cooperation in various spheres," Volodin said, quoted by the Duma press service. He added that trade turnover between the two countries is growing, as "this year it increased 2.8 times."

Volodin recalled that relations between Russia and Libya have "deep roots." "We have always been in favor of cooperation with Libya. Your arrival will undoubtedly give impetus to the development of our relations," the Duma chairman said.

He added that everything should be done within the parliamentary dimension to ensure that the dialogue was on a "permanent systemic basis" so that relations develop not only within the framework of cooperation between friendship groups or one-off visits, but also at the level of specialized committees and commissions. "On the principles of friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and the absence of double standards, as well as non-interference in the sovereign affairs of independent states," Volodin added.

Takala said his "visit to Russia contributes to the strengthening and development of friendship" between the countries. "We have common interests and we are developing our cooperation in accordance with them. I believe this is conducive to moving forward," he said. Takala suggested setting up a contact group with the State Duma to coordinate the work of parliamentarians. "We are interested in everything that is happening in your country. We believe that parliament should exert some influence on the executive branch, on governments to pass certain bills that are proposed by the State Duma and the High State Council here," he said.

Volodin is reported to have supported Takala's proposal. "We need to look for new, more effective formats of cooperation. There are five political factions in the State Duma, but despite the difference of views and programs, all of them believe in the need to build relations with Libya and its parliament," Volodin concluded.