Egypt’s FM urges ending foreign interference, mercenaries’ presence in Libya

CAIRO – 12 February 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called for ending all forms of foreign interference in the Libyan domestic affairs and ensuring the departure of foreign fighters and mercenaries from the Libyan territories.

Shoukry’s remarks came as he spoke during the Philia Forum between the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in Athens on Thursday.

The Egyptian foreign minister affirmed the need to achieve a comprehensive political solution in Libya that allows the transfer of power to an elected government, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Shoukry also stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the security and stability, calling for reaching a permanent settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the future capital of the Palestinian state.

The minister addressed the issue of facing terrorism, extremism and violence through joint, decisive work in order to eliminate the threat they pose. He also highlighted the need for joint work to tackle the illegal immigration phenomenon.

Shoukry said Egypt seeks balanced relations with other countries that are based on achieving cooperation and putting an end to the crises in the region through political solutions not military ones.

“The expansion of the presence of foreign troops in Arab lands this way indicates a regress in the international relations system and failure to respect the principles stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations,” Shoukry said.

Shoukry called on those in charge of the matter, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to carry out their responsibilities to work on reaching peaceful solutions to all ongoing crises.

Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s keenness to enhance relations at the tripartite level with Greece and Cyprus, to achieve the interests of the peoples of the three countries.

“Also, there are many political and economic challenges as well as health challenges that are clearly reflected in the coronavirus pandemic. Cooperation among each other … increases our capabilities manifold in the face of these [challenges],” Shoukry added.