On Sunday, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, held a telephone conversation with his Algerian counterpart, Sabri Boukadoum, to discuss a number of regional files that have an impact on regional stability and Arab national security, notably the Libyan crisis.
During the phone call, the two top diplomats stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive political settlement in Libya by inviting the parties to the conflict to engage in a peaceful dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations.
They also stressed the Libyan people’s need for a ceasefire and an inclusive political solution as the alternative will be the demise of the North African country.
Both ministers also tackled the possibility of arranging a meeting to confer over matters of mutual interest.
In July, a visit to Algeria by the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament Ageela Saleh was postponed.
In December 2019, Turkey signed with the Government of National Accord (GNA) – which is an interim non-elected government that is recognised by the United Nations – two MoUs on defence and gas drilling in the Mediterranean.
Libyan tribes announced the closure of oil ports and fields in January as the revenues were used by the GNA to pay militants. Early in July, the tribes declared that oil facilities would resume operations.
However, the LNA announced on July 11 that such facilities would remain closed until the demands of the Libyan people on dismantling militias are fulfilled. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that the value of revenues lost until present is $7.5 billion.
The UN Security Council Committee concerning Libya indicated in a report issued on Friday that Turkey has sent between 7,000 and 15,000 Syrian mercenaries to the North African state. The committee highlighted that Libya is turning into a large market for arms as a consequence of the UN embargo’s violations.