Russian president Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said his country hoped the high-level meeting on Libya that Italy is hosting in Palermo on 12-13 November is a success - but said he was unsure if he could attend.
"We wish the conference success," Putin said at a press conference with Italy's premier Giuseppe Conte in Moscow.
"I don't know if I will be able to take part personally, but Russia will certainly be represented at quite a high level," Putin added.
Russia supports Italy's efforts to stabilise Libya, bring peace and reinforce democracy in the turmoil-wracked country, Putin said, adding that Rome and Moscow "share the same approach".
"All the country's problems must be solved by the Libyan people. We can only support this process and act as guarantors," Putin stated.
"We back everything that Italy is doing towards this. I repeat that our approach coincides fully with Italy's."
Italy hopes that all the key Libyan and international players will attend the two-day conference in Palermo next month.
