Egypt–US talks in Cairo focus on Libya and regional stability

Egypt and the United States held high-level talks in Cairo as regional instability once again dominated diplomatic discussions, with Libya emerging as a central focus, as reported by the Libyan News Agency on January 14.  The meeting underscored Cairo’s firm opposition to foreign interference in Libya and its insistence on political solutions driven by domestic actors.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs, to review the state of Egyptian-American relations and exchange views on a range of regional developments. Alongside Libya, discussions also addressed the situations in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, reflecting shared concerns over security and political instability across the region.

Libya featured prominently in the talks, with Abdel-Aty reiterating Egypt’s longstanding position on the need to safeguard the country’s unity and territorial integrity. He stressed that Egypt rejects any form of foreign intervention or the presence of foreign military forces on Libyan territory, arguing that such involvement undermines sovereignty and fuels continued instability.

The foreign minister emphasised that a sustainable solution to the Libyan crisis must be led by Libyans themselves. According to Abdel-Aty, any political settlement should reflect the aspirations of the Libyan people while preserving the authority and coherence of national institutions. He underscored the importance of ensuring that the political process remains inclusive and nationally owned.

Abdel-Aty also highlighted the urgency of reviving efforts to move Libya’s stalled political track forward. He called for progress towards holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, describing them as a critical step in restoring legitimacy and setting the country on a clearer path toward stability.

Another key point raised during the meeting was the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya. The Egyptian foreign minister described their withdrawal as essential to creating conditions conducive to peace. He characterised the removal of these elements as a foundational requirement for ending conflict and enabling long-term stability.

The discussions in Cairo reflected broader coordination between Egypt and the United States on regional challenges, with both sides engaging on how diplomatic efforts might contribute to de-escalation and political progress in fragile states across North and East Africa.

Libyan News Agency, Maghrebi.org