Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry has affirmed that the recent visit by his ministry’s delegation to Tripoli aimed to discuss opportunities to resume the Egyptian embassy and consulate work in Libya.
This would see Egypt reopen its embassy in the Libyan capital, and a consulate in Benghazi.
Shoukry said, in a Wednesday press conference, “Egypt will spare no effort to support the Libyan people.”
He stressed that Egypt has no ambitions in Libya, and that it cooperates on the basis of mutual respect. It also aims to interact positively with all Libyan, international and regional parties to reach a peaceful settlement to the ongoing conflict in the country.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister added that his country had a role in sponsoring the peace process and the ceasefire between the Libyan parties. He referred to Cairo’s interaction with the countries concerned with the Libyan issue by sponsoring international efforts to preserve Libya’s unity and holding elections by the end of the year.
“There are Egyptian contacts and cooperation efforts with the UN envoy to ensure a solution to the crisis,” the Egyptian Foreign Minister added.
Shoukry pointed out that terrorism poses a challenge to both Egypt and Libya, due to the security situation and the military conflict.
Accordingly, Egypt will continue to interact with the United Nations (UN) and the Security Council for the elections to take place in Libya at the end of this year.
He stressed that Egypt’s involvement in Libyan affairs is in the interest of the country’s citizens. It supports all efforts for stability in Libya, stressing that electing an executive authority there would preserve stability.
Shoukry said that Egypt has special relations with the Libyan people and spares no effort in preserving reconciliation and facing the challenges and problems related to instability. “Egypt will remain involved in these efforts,” he concluded.
