Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry discussed regional issues with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken during a telephone call on Wednesday, including the latest developments in Libya.
In the call, Blinken emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the US and Egypt, and the commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation on economic, development, military, and security levels. He also highlighted the need for coordination to find effective and sustainable solutions to the various crises facing the region.
Blinken commended Egypt’s role in the Sudan Neighbors’ Mechanism, and expressed his commitment to coordinating with Cairo to end the crisis in Sudan.
Egypt has been working closely with regional and international partners to find resolutions for various regional crises, including the conflict in Libya. The country has been hosting peace talks between Libyan factions, and has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Last month, Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit met with Blinken in Washington to discuss several regional issues, including developments in Libya.
According to a statement, “the meeting addressed a number of issues of mutual interest, and ways to enhance relations between the Arab League and the United States in the political, economic, and social fields during the coming period.”
The two diplomats also discussed the developments in Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and Palestine.
The meeting comes amid ongoing conflicts and political instability in several Arab countries, including Libya.
The Arab League, which consists of 22 member states, aims to promote political, economic, and cultural cooperation among its members. As well as coordinate their positions on regional and international issues.
The United States Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland has expressed his satisfaction with the “positive debate generated among Libyan leaders regarding the distribution of the country’s oil revenues.”
In a statement, Norland highlighted that this issue has been one of the underlying causes of conflict in Libya. He praised the efforts of the Presidential Council, Libyan Parliament, Government of National Unity (GNU), and other stakeholders in establishing a transparent and accountable revenue management mechanism.
“The US has consistently supported Libyan-led efforts to resolve this issue,” Norland stated, saying that “no foreign actors should control it.” He noted that “there has been real progress between relevant institutions in recent days and encouraged leaders to reach an agreement.”
Norland stated that “this is an opportunity to build trust, address legitimate concerns about corruption, and ensure that the vast revenues from Libya’s ongoing oil production benefit all Libyans.” He welcomed the opportunity to “exchange views with Libyan leaders on this important aspect of Libya’s future.”