Cairo, January 19, 2026 – Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister held talks today with the Director of Middle East Affairs at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions addressed developments in the situation in Libya and ways to support efforts for a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Libyan crisis.
According to a published statement, the talks held in Cairo touched on ways to advance the political process under United Nations auspices. This aims to reach a Libyan-led solution that paves the way for holding presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible, while ensuring the preservation of Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and the integrity of its national institutions.
During the consultations, the two sides emphasized the necessity of enhancing coordination among regional and international parties to unify positions in support of stability in Libya and to confront the challenges posed by the crisis to countries in the region.
The two parties also stressed their rejection of any external interventions that could fuel the conflict or undermine the settlement process. They affirmed the necessity of the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. Additionally, they emphasized the need to work with neighboring countries in accordance with the rules of international law to demarcate maritime borders in a transparent and fair manner.
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Cairo
Cairo is the sprawling capital of Egypt, founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty near ancient capitals like Memphis. It is famously home to historic Islamic districts, the Egyptian Museum, and the Giza Pyramids located on its outskirts.
Egypt
Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 5,000 years, famously centered around the Nile River and the pharaonic dynasties that built iconic monuments like the Pyramids of Giza. Its rich cultural heritage includes ancient temples, hieroglyphic writing, and significant contributions to mathematics and governance, later influenced by Greek, Roman, Coptic Christian, and Islamic periods. Modern Egypt remains a pivotal cultural and political center in the Arab world, with its ancient sites continuing to be major global archaeological and tourist destinations.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, which was a foundational civilization for Western law, government, and engineering. It later became the epicenter of the Renaissance, producing unparalleled contributions to art, science, and architecture. Today, it is renowned for its historic cities, artistic masterpieces, and globally influential cuisine.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural sites include the well-preserved Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It replaced the ineffective League of Nations and is headquartered in New York City, with 193 member states working through bodies like the General Assembly and Security Council.