Egypt, France discuss developments in Libya, Palestine, Lebanon

CAIRO – 24 August 2020: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian the latest developments in Libya, Palestine and Lebanon during a phone call.

The two officials also talked about the coordination between Cairo and Paris, according to Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

Tackling the Palestinian cause, Shoukry and Le Drian stressed the importance of sticking to the two-state solution and supporting efforts aimed at reaching a fair peace settlement in line with international resolutions.

Concerning Libya, the two top diplomats welcomed the declarations of ceasing fire and military operations in all Libyan territories, in an attempt to reach a political settlement, paving the way to restoring stability and peace in the war-torn country as well as countering the militant groups and stopping all foreign interference in the Arab country’s affairs.

Speaking about the Lebanese crisis, they probed ways to support the country to get out of its quagmire.

Both ministers also highlighted the importance of intensifying joint efforts to provide support to the Lebanese people and serve the country’s higher interests.

Over another phone call, Sunday, Shoukry discussed with German counterpart Heiko Maas the latest developments in the Libyan issue and the situation on the Palestinian-Israeli cause.

Regarding the Libyan file, both ministers tackled the cease-fire initiative that was declared on Friday by Libyan Presidential Council, which is led by Fayez Al-Sarraj, and Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Agila Saleh, Hafez said, adding that Egypt and Germany stressed the necessity of taking advantage of this important step to reach a comprehensive political settlement to bring security and stability, and contribute to fighting terrorist organizations and foreign interference in Libya. Both Libyan leaders called for demilitarize the oil-rich area of Jafa-Sirte. The Libyan government, headed by Sarraj, called for holding Presidential and Parliamentary elections in March.