Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments in Libya with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday, according to a statement by Egypt's Foreign Ministry. The two foreign ministers spoke in a phone call, discussing the results of Le Drian's latest visit to Libya in the light of Egypt's support for stability, a political settlement and the unification of the Libyan army in the neighbouring country. The two ministers also discussed possible steps towards establishing consensus among all of Libya's parties. Spokesperson to the Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abu Zeid added that Shoukry stressed that Egypt supports a political settlement to the Libyan conflict aided by the efforts of the UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salamé. Shoukry indicated to Le Drian "Egypt's continued efforts to achieve brotherly consensus in Libya for the reunification of the country and the building of state institutions," the statement read. Abu Zeid said that during the phone call Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to the depth of historic relations between Egypt and France and stated that he looks forward to developing them in all fields —especially in view of the great opportunities available for cooperation between the two sides. On his part, the French Foreign Minister stressed the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries and highlighted France's appreciation of the Egyptian role in supporting stability in the region.
