Egypt seeks to stabilize Libya; Presidential Council must be reconstituted: FM Shoukry

CAIRO – 27 July 2020: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that Egypt seeks implementing a ceasefire in Libya, explaining that Cairo seeks to stabilize the situation and to stop the military escalation.

Shoukry added during a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal ben Farhan that the Presidential Council must be reconstituted in the presence of a government that provides services to the Libyan people under the supervision of the Libyan Parliament, along with agreeing on a ceasefire in the war-torn country.

Shoukry expressed his regret that there ’was no political will’ to activate the political solution internationally; especially that some parties are targeting the national security in Libya, Syria and Iraq.

He added that Egypt is working on reaching a political solution in Libya and Syria as Egypt faced a lot of threats as a result of transferring terrorists who planed for terrorist attacks inside the country; therefore, ‘Egypt will not accept crossing the red lines in Libya in order to protect Egyptian and Arab national security’ Shoukry said.

Regarding the Egyptian-Saudi relations, Shoukry described the relation between the two countries as long and historical and that Cairo and Riyadh are coordinating to confront common challenges and address it fully within the framework of cooperation and solidarity.

For his part, Prince Faisal ben Farhan said that he discussed with Shoukry the situation in Libya, affirming the kingdom's full support for the Egypt’s stance and the ‘Cairo Declaration’.

Ben Farhan stressed the importance of resolving the Libyan situation through political consultations, implementing a ceasefire, respecting Egypt’s national security along with confronting Foreign interventions.

“We will always be coordinating and cooperating with the aim of achieving security and peace in the region” Ben Farhan said.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Monday on a day-long visit to Egypt for talks on threats facing the two countries' security and stability. Shoukry welcomed the Saudi guest at the Cairo International Airport.

Shoukry and ben Farhan held talks before conducting the joint press conference as the two sides tackled distinguished relations binding the two countries in addition to the latest developments in the region.