Foreign Minister, UN Libya envoy discuss bilateral relations

Cairo - 16 June 2017: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry met with Special U.N. Envoy to Libya Martin Kobler on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and political solutions for the region.

Kobler praised Egypt’s prominent role in the region and its attempts to figure out a political solution that can be reached peacefully through dialogue between Libyan parties, according to a statement released by Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid.

Committed to upholding Libya’s sovereignty, Shoukry stressed the need to find solutions to ensure the preservation of the Libyan state and its legitimate institutions.

Upholding the principles of the December 2015 Libyan Political Agreement (Skhirat Agreement), Shoukry highlighted the importance of the document in forming a basis for restoring stability and activating the role of Libyan national institutions.

Before leading into discussions on negotiations and key strategic partner contacts concerning Libyan affairs, Kobler briefed Shoukry on the latest political and security developments in Libya, including obstacles that impede the political process.

Both parties also discussed the development of the current crisis with Qatar and its repercussions on the situation in Libya.

Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s continued commitment in identifying key issues that need to be resolved and supporting Libyan parties to reach the required consensus for solutions. Additionally, he noted Egypt’s aspiration for further cooperation and involvement with negotiation on Libyan affairs and the United Nations.

The Kobler-Shoukry talk ended with Kobler thanking Shoukry for the support provided his term as U.N. Envoy to Libya. Kobler stated that one goal of his final visit to Egypt was to gain insightful tips to pass along to his successor.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed that finding a solution to the current political crisis in Libya should stem purely from Libyan national efforts while ensuring preservation of the independence and sovereignty of Libyan state.