UK backs Egypt-Dbiebah mediation

United Kingdom Minister for Africa Gillian Keegan, discussed with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, last Wednesday a proposal for building bridges between Cairo and the Government of National Unity (GNU) headed by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbiebah, which the UK supports as the legitimate government in Libya.

According to a source speaking to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, there is still agreement in Britain and European countries to maintain recognition of Dbeibah’s government, based on factors, including the support of the main parties in eastern Libya to Russia, which has military forces at Al-Jufra airbase under the umbrella of Wagner Mercenary Group, saying that any chaos could lead to an expanded Russian role in Libya.

The sources said that the UK Minister’s consultations in Cairo came within the framework of arrangements made by the UK to hold an expanded meeting in London that could include special envoys for Libya, with the participation of representatives from Egypt and Turkey.

The report said that this gathering will be the first official meeting that includes representatives of Egypt and Turkey at the same table, after the tough Egyptian stance towards the agreement signed between the GNU and Ankara on October 3, which allows Turkish companies to explore for gas and oil in the Libyan economic waters.

Last Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with the UK Minister for Africa, Gillian Keegan, who is visiting Egypt to participate in the fifth edition of Cairo Water Week.