Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Karti Tuesday to discuss Egyptian-Sudanese relations and the situation in Libya, read a Tuesday statement by the foreign ministry. The foreign ministry spokesman stated that Shoukry stressed the Egyptian efforts to restore stability and security and to preserve the unity of the Libyan territory. Shoukry highlighted as well the Egyptian support for the Libyan state. Shoukry pointed as well the importance of activating Libya's neighbouring countries initiative, which was discussed during their ministerial meeting in August. The meeting was held in Cairo where ministers from Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, Algeria and other countries met to "discuss the security and political situation in Libya". Concerns over "trade and arms smuggling and individuals crossing borders" were discussed as they pose threat to the neighbouring countries. Libya's neighbours have agreed to build a framework to "organise common effort to achieve the best results in the fastest possible time". Violence in Libya has been on the rise since the overthrow of president Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Thousands fled the violence including hundreds of Egyptians who were evacuated from Libya-Tunisia border in August.
