New york: The Libyan issue took center stage during discussions between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati and Massad Boulos, the US President's Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York.
According to Libyan News Agency, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement emphasizing that the meeting was part of ongoing consultations between Cairo and Washington regarding regional developments. This dialogue is a reflection of the strategic partnership shared by the two countries.
The discussions primarily focused on Libya, with Minister Abdel Aati underscoring the importance of maintaining Libya's territorial unity and safeguarding its resources. He expressed Egypt's unwavering support for "Libyan ownership" of the political process, which aims to organize presidential and parliamentary elections that align with the aspirations of the Libyan people and foster stability.
Minister Abdel Aati also emphasized the need for a clear timetable for the withdrawal of all mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces from Libya. He pointed out that this step is essential for restoring security and establishing a state governed by institutions.
Beyond the Libyan issue, the meeting covered developments in Sudan and the Great Lakes region. Discussions also revolved around collaborative efforts to promote sustainable development and peace across the African continent, enhance stability, and boost growth rates.
Minister Abdel Aati also highlighted the preparations for the upcoming fifth edition of the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development. This forum serves as a regional platform for dialogue and exchanging ideas on addressing political and economic challenges in Africa while advancing security and development in the region.