On Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry held a meeting with the visiting Deputy Head of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mousa Al-Koni in Cairo.
The two discussed the latest developments in Libya, and ongoing preparations for holding the Parliamentary and Presidential elections as scheduled in December.
Shoukry stressed that Egypt will spare no effort to meet the aspirations of the Libyan people, and help them restore stability. He also voiced his support for Libya in expelling terrorist groups, and assuming sovereignty over its own territory through its national institutions.
“Egypt stands by Libya to restore stability and fulfil the demands of its people to achieve development,” he said.
The FM praised the outcome of the Paris International Conference on Libya, and pressed for the elections to be held on time. “All foreign troops and mercenaries should leave as soon as possible in line with relevant international resolutions,” he said.
In turn, Al-Koni appreciated the role played by Egypt to ensure stability, which he said reflects the distinguished relations between the two countries.
The country has been mired in civil war since the overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi in a 2011 uprising. The bloodshed has drawn in competing Libyan factions, Islamist groups, as well as regional powers.
Libya’s elections targeted for 24 December were set through a UN-backed roadmap adopted last year. This roadmap also established an interim unity government to take over from rival administrations in the country’s east and west that had been split for years.
The Paris Conference included the leaders of France, Libya, Germany, Italy, and Egypt, as well as the US Vice President. This was intended to cement backing for the planned December polls, and efforts to withdraw foreign forces.
Notably, Saif Al-Islam, a son of former Libyan leader Muammer Gaddafi, has formally registered as a candidate in the Presidential elections.