Gen Haftar’s forces relied heavily on Russian Wagner mercenaries – many of whom are still in eastern Libya - during his failed assault on Tripoli four years ago. 

A Kremlin spokesman said they discussed the situation in Libya and the region. 

Gen Haftar’s forces dominate the east of the country, while a rival internationally recognised Tripoli-based government controls some of the west. 

Russia has long sought to boost its influence in Africa.