Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abd al-Atti recently visited Libya's capital, Tripoli, to participate in the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the Sahel-Saharan States. During his visit, he met with Libyan leaders, including President Mohamed al-Menfi and Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. These meetings aimed to address pending issues and foster new cooperation areas between the two nations. Egypt views Libya as a strategic depth for its national security, given the direct impact of Libyan developments on Egyptian stability.
A key focus of the Egyptian-Libyan discussions was the delimitation of maritime borders. The Libyan House of Representatives has approved an agreement with Turkey on maritime borders, which Egypt rejects, deeming it a violation of international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Egypt's concerns about its maritime rights and interests were conveyed to the Libyan leaders, emphasizing the need for a negotiated solution that respects both countries' rights.
The two countries are working to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, including the establishment of natural gas lines and development of petroleum products. They also aim to complete the electrical interconnection project between Egypt and Libya as soon as possible. Furthermore, Egypt seeks to expand its companies' participation in Libya's infrastructure development and reconstruction projects, leveraging Egyptian expertise in construction and building.
Egypt and Libya are also focusing on people-to-people ties, with Egypt offering more facilities for Libyan students and easing the situation for the Egyptian community in Libya. This includes extending deadlines and waiving accumulated fines for previous periods. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry is coordinating with Libyan authorities to resolve issues affecting Egyptian citizens, including the delayed payment of financial dues to Egyptian doctors and nurses working in Libyan hospitals.
The Libyan leaders have expressed their commitment to strengthening relations with Egypt, citing historical and strategic ties that go beyond mere geographic neighbors. President al-Menfi emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is based on strategic, historical, and national security dimensions. He also praised Egypt's role in supporting Libyan stability and efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis.
Prime Minister Dbeibeh highlighted the significance of reopening the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli, marking a new beginning for enhanced political, economic, and popular relations between Egypt and Libya. He also noted that Libya is willing to discuss the maritime border demarcation with Egypt, expressing hope for a negotiated solution that respects both countries' rights and interests.
The strengthened partnership between Egypt and Libya is expected to yield mutual benefits, from economic cooperation and security collaboration to enhanced people-to-people ties. Both countries are committed to advancing their strategic relationship, with a focus on promoting stability, security, and development in the region. Key areas of cooperation include energy, infrastructure, and countering external interference in Libyan affairs.
Key points
- Egypt and Libya are strengthening their strategic partnership through diplomatic efforts, economic cooperation, and security collaboration.
- The two countries are working to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, including the establishment of natural gas lines and development of petroleum products.
- Egypt and Libya are focusing on people-to-people ties, with Egypt offering more facilities for Libyan students and easing the situation for the Egyptian community in Libya.
Reporting sources
- Sawt Al-Umma · Sawt Al-Umma
