Libya’s Dbeibah Signals Readiness to Address Egypt’s Maritime Concerns

POLICY WIRE — Tripoli, Libya — Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah of the Government of National Unity has indicated a willingness to engage with Egypt regarding its concerns over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean. This development follows a period of heightened diplomatic friction involving Libya, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece.

The diplomatic tension stems from a 2019 memorandum of understanding between Turkey and the former government of Fayez al-Sarraj. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently reiterated Cairo’s stance that the agreement is devoid of any legal effect and remains absolutely null and void.

The situation intensified after Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives, which is aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar, voted on Tuesday to ratify the maritime pact with Ankara. Lawmakers in the east argued that the move is essential for securing strategic economic and national security advantages.

In response, Cairo officially rejected the ratification, stating it holds no legal weight for Egypt. This rejection was preceded by consultations between Egyptian and Greek officials, who have pledged to maintain coordination to uphold international law regarding maritime delimitation.

Despite these regional disputes, Dbeibah has maintained active communication with Egyptian leadership. Recent meetings between the Libyan Prime Minister and Egyptian officials, including the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, Hassan Rashad, have focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting the ongoing political process in Libya.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to Libya’s territorial integrity and stability. Both nations continue to discuss potential joint ventures in infrastructure, energy, and electricity to foster long-term development.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)