Egypt and Libya Agree to Resume Direct Flights, Reopen Embassy in Tripoli

On Tuesday, Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Mabouly expressed his country's support for national reconciliation efforts in Libya to achieve development and prosperity for the Libyan people.

Madbouly arrived in Libya's capital Tripoli earlier today to meet a number of Libyan officials, including the head of the Libyan Presidency Council, Mohamed Mnifi, and the interim Libyan prime minister, Abdul Hamid Mohammed al-Dbaiba.

In a joint press conference with his Libyan counterpart, Madbouly said both countries' officials will hold talks on means to boost the cooperation ties.

He added that they have inked a dozen deals on electricity, telecommunications, infrastructure, health and education, stressing the importance of establishing power stations in Libya to strengthen its energy networks.

"I am very happy to be here in Libya to convey the greetings of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his unwavering support for the Libyan leadership and people," the Egyptian Premier noted.

Madbouli stated that the Egyptian-Libyan higher committee between will hold its meeting soon in Cairo to discuss the establishment of a shipping line between the two countries during the coming months.

On his part, Al-Dbaiba said that they had signed an agreement to reopen the Egyptian embassy and consulate in Libya, stressing that Libya needs to conclude a true partnership with Egypt.

He also appreciated the Egyptian role in supporting political dialogue and reaching a peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis.

The Libyan PM also affirmed that his government is working during this stage to put Libya on the right track and regain its regional and international status, voicing his intention to hold fair and transparent national elections, after which a real development phase begins.

He said that Libya had already begun to restore its normal relations with its friendly countries.

Madbouly’s visit comes after an interim government took power in Libya last month aimed at holding elations in the North African country in December after a decade of fighting and upheaval.

Libya is considered a natural extension of the Egyptian market, due to the geographical proximity and long history of trade exchange and cooperation between the two countries.

Egyptian companies are awaiting government decisions regarding participation in the reconstruction of Libya, which they hope will produce new opportunities in a renewed market.

According to local sources, Madbouly’s visit is focused on investments in the country, Egyptian labor issues and the reopening of diplomatic missions.

Last month, El-Sisi discussed with the head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi, prospects for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.