Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that he discussed developments in Libya with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. In a joint conference in Moscow, Lavrov affirmed Russia's support for holding elections in Libya. He added that the withdrawal of foreign troops in Libya should be gradual and phased.
For his part, the Egyptian Foreign Minister mentioned that he discussed with Lavrov enhancing cooperation with Russia and emphasized the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution. He further noted the significance of the unity of Libyan territory and the necessity for all foreign troops to leave Libya.
Shoukry continued by discussing the situation in Syria and mechanisms for resolving the crisis, as well as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue with Ethiopia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry had reported that Lavrov and Shoukry, who is visiting Russia from October 3 to 5, would address matters related to further expanding Russian-Egyptian cooperation in the fields of politics, trade, economy, and humanitarian culture.
The ministry noted that the two foreign ministers would exchange views on ongoing international and regional issues, focusing on the need to resolve crises in the Middle East and the African continent through diplomatic political means.
During the upcoming talks, Lavrov and Shoukry will discuss the implementation of large-scale joint projects, notably the establishment of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt in Dabaa and the creation of a Russian industrial zone near the Suez Canal.
The Russian Foreign Ministry previously stated that Russia regards Egypt as one of its key partners in the Middle East and North Africa. Shoukry visited Moscow from October 27 to 31, 2020, while Lavrov visited Cairo on April 11-12, 2021.
