Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli wrapped up a one-day visit to Libyan capital Tripoli, during which he and his accompanying delegation signed 11 memoranda of understanding on all aspects of co-operation with the new Libyan government.
The Egyptian premier visited Tripoli on Tuesday, heading a high-level government delegation, the largest to visit Libya since the neighbouring country descended into chaos after the 2011 uprising against lo ngstanding ruler Muammar Gaddhafi.
During his visit, Madbouli held talks with his Libyan counterpart, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, and the members of his newly-formed cabinet on means of enhancing co-operation.
The visit opens a new chapter in Egyptian-Libyan ties, following the signing of agreements between Libyan rivals for the formation of the government and the Presidential Council.
Libya is also preparing for a new phase of stability, following years of fighting between its rivals.
The Egyptian prime minister described his visit to Tripoli as “historic”.
Madbouli added during a press conference with Dbeibeh that this visit would contribute to strengthening relations with Egypt’s western neighbour.
“We will have strong relations till the end of time,” Prime Minister Madbouli said.
This is the second time Madbouli has met Dbeibeh in almost two months. The first time was when the Libyan premier visited Cairo in February.
At his press briefing with the Libyan premier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Madbouli expected the coming period to witness wider co-operation with Libya in all fields.
The memoranda of understanding included one on the participation of Egyptian workers in Libya’s reconstruction.
Prime Minister Madbouli said he and Prime Minister Dbeibeh agreed that Egyptian workers would travel to Libya in an organised manner and in the lighten of the burdens of the Libyan side in all fields.
He said the first direct flight between Cairo and Tripoli would be operated a day later.
According to preliminary estimates, Libya would need around 1 million Egyptian workers in construction, agriculture, health and engineering.
The memoranda of understanding cover investment in generating electricity, international communication networking and capacity building.
The Joint Egyptian-Libyan Committee is expected to convene in Cairo soon, Prime Minister Madbouli said.
A maritime line will also come into service between the two countries in the coming period, he said.
Prime Minister Dbeibeh said his government is mindful of the importance of co-operation with regional powers for the achievement of its goals.
“We have deep relations with Egypt in all fields,” the Libyan prime minister said.
He highlighted the importance of launching strategic partnerships with Egypt.
These partnerships, he said, would serve development in both countries.
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