FM: terrorists in Libya threaten Egypt’s national security

CAIRO – 29 May 2017: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that terrorist groups in Libya threaten the national security in Egypt, during a Monday press conference with his Russian counterpart.

“Egypt has the right to defend itself in accordance with the international laws, in coordination with the Libyan authorities,” Shoukry added.

He noted that Egypt looks forward for more cooperation with Russia in the fight against terrorist organizations.

During the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Lavrov said that his country “supports Egypt’s vision” in solving the Libyan crisis through ensuring compatibility among all crisis parties.

On Friday, Egypt has launched retaliatory airstrikes against terrorist training camps in Derna city, Libya, following a deadly attack at a bus carrying Copts in Upper Egypt, leaving at least 29 dead.

Egypt has defended the airstikes as “legitimate self-defense” in accordance to international accords and agreements.