Saudi FM Reiterates Support to Egypt's Efforts over Libyan Crisis

On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks with his Saudi Arabia’s counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud in Cairo, to discuss a number of regional files, especially the situation in Libya.

On his part, Shoukry affirmed that there is an Egyptian-Saudi consensus regarding the necessity of ending all foreign interference in Libya and all region countries, adding that Egypt will "not tolerate the presence of terrorists" in neighboring Libya.

The minister also said that Egypt supports an immediate ceasefire in Libya, but added that there is no political will to reach a solution through talks in the North African country.

On the other hand, the Saudi Minister reiterated his call to end all foreign interference in Libya, announcing the Kingdom's support for the 'Cairo Declaration' that aims to reach an immediate ceasefire in the North African country.

In a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, bin Farhan said that the Saudi Arabia has a firm position regarding the necessity of holding peaceful political negotiations and halting all hostilities between the Libyan parties to the conflict with a view to maintaining Libya's stability and security.

He also stressed the importance of respecting the components of the Egyptian national security.

The Saudi top diplomat also stressed the importance of keeping Libya away from any foreign interference, adding: "I think we are fully compatible in this aspect. We will continue close coordination between the two countries in order to find opportunities to address this challenge."

He also reiterated the Kingdom's support for the Egyptian efforts to solve the Libyan crisis.

Bin Farhan and Shoukry statements came in reference to Turkey's blatant interference in Libya, which is witnessing escalating tensions between the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA).

Oil-rich Libya has been mired in chaos since the ouster and killing of dictator, Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with two rival authorities and a multitude of militias now vying for control.