Sisi affirms supporting political solution in Libya as he receives EU foreign affairs rep.

CAIRO – 3 September 2020: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unchangeable stance on supporting a political solution in Libya, away from foreign intervention and armed militias, as he received on Thursday Josep Borrell, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, the Egyptian Presidency said.

Sisi affirmed that Egypt welcomes all constructive and positive steps that would lead to peaceful settlement, de-escalation and development in Libya. He also stressed Egypt’s support to international efforts in this regard, including backing all international envoys to Libya, relevant international conferences such as the Berlin Conference earlier this year and the Cairo Declaration calling for ceasefire and dismissing foreign fighters from Libya.

Borrell highlighted the importance the EU attaches to Egypt’s pivotal role aiming to achieve balance in the Libyan issue. He also lauded Egyptian efforts to tackle regional challenges that affect the security and stability of the countries of the Mediterranean, including hosting millions of refugees, combating illegal immigration, terrorism and extremism and bringing peace to the Middle East.

The meeting was attended also by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and EU Ambassador to Egypt Christian Berger.

Sisi and Borrell also discussed the peace process in the Middle East and agreed on the need to push forward joint international work toward resuming negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, with the aim of reaching a fair and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian issue, in accordance with international references.

For his part, Borrell hailed the continuous Egyptian efforts to deal with tensions between the Palestinian and Israeli sides regarding Gaza Strip.

Concerning the dispute on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Sisi affirmed Egypt’s adherence to its water rights, through reaching an international, binding and balanced agreement that states clear rules for the process of filling and operating the massive dam and achieves mutual interests of all parties.

The president affirmed paramount importance of the water issue for Egypt, as it mainly touches the Egyptian national security.

Ceasefire announcement

Sisi in August welcomed a cease-fire initiative declared by Libyan Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and head of the Presidency Council Fayez Al-Sarraj, as a way for the departure of all mercenaries in Libya.

"I welcome all statements issued by the Presidential Council and the House of Representatives in Libya to reach a ceasefire and stop military operations in all Libyan territories, as this is an important step on the road to achieving a political settlement and the aspirations of the Libyan people to restore stability and prosperity in Libya,"  Sisi tweeted.

To know more about Egyptian efforts to resolve the crisis in Libya, you can read:

BREAKING| Egyptian Parliament gives green light for Sisi to send troops to Libya: sources

CAIRO - 20 July 2020: The Egyptian House of Representatives has authorized President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to "take necessary measures" to protect national security, giving a green light for the president to send troops to Libya. This came in a closed Monday session on protecting the Egyptian and Libyan national security against terror threats.