Egypt Calls for Withdrawal of Foreign Forces from Libya

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need for the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya during talks with Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.

The meeting, held in Cairo on Thursday, reviewed the latest diplomatic contacts aimed at resolving the Libyan crisis. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the steps being taken by the UN mission, emphasising the importance of holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously as part of a comprehensive political settlement.

He also underlined the necessity of ensuring the immediate departure of foreign troops, mercenaries and foreign fighters to allow Libya to fully restore its sovereignty and strengthen state institutions.

During the meeting, Abdelatty stressed that stability in Libya remains a top priority for Egypt, describing Libyan security as an integral part of Egyptian national security. He reiterated Cairo’s longstanding support for Libya’s unity and territorial integrity, stressing that any political solution must be based on full Libyan ownership and aimed at enabling national institutions to meet the aspirations of the Libyan people for stability and development.

For her part, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh praised the close cooperation between Egypt and the UN mission, commending Cairo’s hosting of the trilateral mechanism involving Libya’s neighbouring countries, which she described as an important regional framework supporting stability efforts.

She also expressed the United Nations’ desire to continue coordination with Egypt to ensure the success of the political process and reinforce peace and security across Libya.