Shoukry Discusses Libya With Russian, Italian, German FMs

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed recent developments taking place in Libya with his counterparts from Italy, Russia and Germany, according to official statements issued Wednesday by the foreign ministry media office in Cairo. 

“Minister Shoukry received a phone call from his Italian Counterpart Luigi Di Maio,” said Counselor Ahmed Hafez, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson. 

“Shoukry and Di Maio agreed on importance of fostering ways of cooperation and coordination between Cairo and Rome at various levels, most importantly in the economic field and efforts to combat the pandemic of the novel coronavirus,” Hafez added. 

The spokesman pointed out that the two officials discussed the recent developments of the Libyan issue, stressing importance of reaching a comprehensive settlement to the crisis. 

“The two ministers agreed on the importance of implementing the European monitoring process "IRINI", with full respect for considerations related to the sovereignty of states, and in accordance with their mandate and relevant Security Council resolutions, to monitor transfers of terrorists, militants and support to extremist groups in Libya,” Hafez noted.

Shoukry and Di Maio also tackled a number of developments on the regional scene, including the latest developments related to the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue.

In the same regard, the Egyptian foreign minister made two phone calls to his Russian and Germany counterparts, discussing issues of mutual interests, along with the Libyan developments.

[caption id="attachment_44101" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry attend a meeting at Tahrir palace in Cairo, Egypt April 6, 2019- Press Photo[/caption]

Shoukry affirmed to the Russian FM, Sergey Lavrov, necessity of supporting the international efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution in order to restore security and eliminate all manifestations of terrorism in the African neighboring country. 

Hafez pointed out the the two officials also exchanged views on the developments of the Palestinian issue and the importance of preserving the chances of reaching a comprehensive and just political settlement of within the framework of the two-state solution, stressing that “Shoukry warned of the consequences of any unilateral Israeli measures to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories as it would only complicate the situation and affect regional stability and security.”

Shoukry Stresses on Berlin Conference on Libya Outcomes 

In the third phone call, Shoukry and the German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, discussed a number of regional issues including Libya and Palestine.

[caption id="attachment_104518" align="aligncenter" width="990"] Sisi Talks to Putin and Merkel on Fringe of Berlin Conference on Libya[/caption]

“Shoukry and Maas agreed on importance of executing resolutions of the Berlin Conference on Libya,” said Hafez.

Moreover, the Egyptian FM gave an explanation during his phone call to both Russian and German counterparts on the latest developments of the GERD file, explaining all the course of negotiations and the Egyptian acceptance of their resumption, and the need to result in reaching an agreement as soon as possible, while emphasizing the refusal of taking any unilateral action by the Ethiopian side without reaching an agreement. 

Last week,  Shoukry discussed with his French counterpart a number of issues including, Libya, Palestine and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian foreign ministry media office.

“Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received a phone call from the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, to discuss the path of bilateral relations and issues of common concern,” the statement read.

Hafez stated that the conversation discussed the latest developments in the Libyan arena and ways to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis that works to restore security and stability and eliminate terrorism, as well as achieving the aspirations of the brotherly Libyan people.

“Both officials warned against the consequences of foreign interventions into Libya’s domestic affairs,” Hafez added.