The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity in Libya has declared two diplomats from the Egyptian embassy as persona non grata.
The diplomats, identified as Mohamed El-Sherbini and Mohamed Hosni, who serve as the advisor and the second secretary at the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli, have been asked to leave Libyan territory within 72 hours.
This diplomatic action is a response from the Government of National Unity to the Egyptian government’s recent engagement with Osama Hamad, the head of the Libyan government appointed by the parliament based in Tobruk, Eastern Libya. The meeting, which took place last Sunday, was perceived unfavourably by the Tripoli government.
The Libyan Ministry expressed its discontent with what it described as “diplomatic conduct by the Egyptian government, which formally received entities not recognized internationally.”
The Ministry stated that this move represents a deviation from the international consensus that opposes a return to division and conflict in Libya.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdel Aty held a bilateral meeting with Moussa Al-Koni, Vice President of the Libyan Presidential Council, on the sidelines of the Rwandan President’s inauguration ceremony in Kigali.
The minister emphasised the strong ties and shared destiny between the two nations and their peoples. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to achieve the common goals of both sides.
The Foreign Minister discussed the rapid developments in Libya, underscoring the need to continue efforts to advance the peace process while preserving Libya’s sovereignty.
He reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for a Libyan-led solution and Cairo’s ongoing backing of national institutions to facilitate simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections under a unified government, ensuring Libya’s security and stability.
