CAIRO, Oct. 29-- Egypt and Germany agreed on Tuesday to intensify their efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas a number of regional issues of bilateral interest, including the Libyan and Syrian conflicts, said Bassam Radi, spokesperson of the Egyptian presidency's office. The two leaders agreed on "the need for a Libyan solution which would conserve the state's resources and its national institutions, and limit foreign interference and thus contribute in eliminating terrorism," Radi said. Sisi emphasized Egypt's stance on supporting a solution in Syria to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the country. Later in a joint press conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said "Egypt has repeatedly reiterated the necessity of (finding) a political resolution for the crisis in Libya, and the rejection of foreign interference." Cairo was the final destination of Maas' North African tour, which included stops in Libya and Tunisia. Maas said during his visit in Libya that he was seeking an end to all "foreign interference" in the country. Germany is planning to bring together all Libyan rival factions for a comprehensive solution to the extended eight-year conflict later this year. In April, the eastern-based Libyan National Army loyal to Khalifa Haftar began an offensive to gain control over the capital Tripoli controlled by the internationally recognised government of national accord. |