TUNIS, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Libya has been widely regarded as one of Moscow's important steps to catch up with the West in efforts to restore its influence in the North African country.

    Lavrov's two-day trip that ended Monday seeks to make arrangements for a possible visit to Libya by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    In a letter extended to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Putin expressed his willingness to visit the country, saying that Moscow is ready to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. Tripoli welcomed the letter and expects Putin's visit.

    The move is widely believed to be a signal of Russia's efforts to warm up its cooled ties with Libya in a bid to regain its influence in the country.

    After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia lost its past glories overnight, resulting in a severe deterioration of its ties with Libya, which was an important ally of the former Soviet Union and a traditional buyer of its arms.

    Lavrov admitted that bilateral ties have been in stagnation for some time and said the current level of bilateral ties is incompatible with their cooperative traditions.

    Libya, long accused by the West of backing terrorism, has been trying to rebuild normal relations with western countries after renouncing terrorism and nuclear weapons.

    The West also intends to resume ties with Libya, eyeing its abundant oil reserves and potential as a market.

    Furthermore, Libya's role in Africa and the Middle East has improved since the United Nations lifted sanctions against it, and its role will be further enhanced after Jan. 1, 2008, when it becomes a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

    Lavrov pinned great hopes on his visit, saying both countries have the sincere wish to promote bilateral ties.

    Both the Russian and Libyan governments are hoping to upgrade relations and are willing to devote themselves to enhancing cooperation in various fields, he told reporters on Monday.

    Lavrov said both sides expect to sign cooperation agreements in military techniques, investment protection and avoidance of dual taxation.

    According to sources from the Russian delegation, Russia has agreed to provide help to Libya in its pursuit of civilian nuclear development and both sides hope to sign such an agreement.

    Analysts said Russia will comprehensively resume its ties with Libya if Putin succeeds in setting foot in the country.

    What follows, they said, will be fierce contention between Russia and the West in Libya and the region at large.