Russian President Vladimir Putin started Wednesday an official visit to Libya, which is expected to be dominated by arms deals and discussions on energy cooperation.

Putin's visit may bring closure to several large arms deals totalling USD 2.5 billion, Interfax news agency reported, as cited by Jerusalem Post. The deals aiming to bolster Libya's aging arsenal include anti-aircraft systems, MiG and Sukhoi aircraft, helicopters, submarines, and warships.

The visit is also expected to include talks on Russian investment in Libyan gas and nuclear energy as Moscow seeks to boost ties with Libya, which is emerging from 20 years of diplomatic and economic isolation.

Putin's visit comes just after Ukraine announced on Sunday that state energy company Naftogaz Ukrainy had won an agreement for pumping oil in Libya, following a visit by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko to the country last week.

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