Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty held a phone call on Monday evening with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan to discuss recent developments in Libya, as well as other key regional issues.
According to an official statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Tuesday, Abdel Aaty reaffirmed Cairo’s firm stance on preserving Libya’s unity and territorial integrity, while emphasizing the importance of supporting Libya’s national institutions.
He stressed that a political solution to the crisis must stem from the free will of the Libyan people, free from any foreign interference.
During the call, the Egyptian Foreign Minister also reiterated his call to expedite the simultaneous holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya, viewing them as a critical step toward achieving lasting stability in the country.
The ministers also discussed strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Egypt and Turkey. The call further addressed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, with both sides underscoring the urgent need to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible.
The phone conversation comes amid growing international calls to revive the stalled Libyan political process and amid efforts by regional powers to reduce tensions in conflict zones across the Middle East.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
