Libya’s Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Dbeibeh has chosen Cairo as the destination of his second visit abroad amid reports that his first took him to Turkey.
In Cairo, he met with President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in a meeting attended by Prime Minister Mustapha Madbouli and intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
Dbeibeh expressed his appreciation to Egypt’s sincere and effective efforts on all levels in resolving the Libyan crisis, leading to rapprochement between the warring parties.
He also highlighted Egypt’s role in supporting Libyan institutions combat terrorism and extremist groups.
Sisi commended the Libyans for electing a new interim government and presidential council, saying it is the first step towards establishing a new phase in their country where national interests are prioritized above all else.
Egypt pledges to continue to support the Libyan people in their efforts to restore state authority, peace and stability.
Talks between Sisi and Dbeibeh focused on Libyan efforts to lead the transitional phase and cooperation between Libya and Egypt. Both sides agreed to hold further talks, especially over restoring services and security, as well as boosting economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, local media said Dbeibeh paid a secret visit to Turkey on February 10, soon after he was appointed to office, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Meanwhile, the new presidential council convened for the first time in Tripoli on Wednesday. Talks focused on government formation efforts and the parliamentary elections, set for December 24.
Head of the council, Mohammed al-Menfi, later met with his deputies. A statement after their meeting said the council urges Dbeibeh to complete the government formation within the set deadline and in line with the agreements reached at the Geneva talks last year.
The United Nations mission in Libya strongly condemned the attack, calling on authorities “to ensure an independent, impartial and prompt investigation into this heinous attack on civilians” and calling for perpetrators to be brought to justice.